Schumer wants to increase N.Y.-N.J. port security

Schumer wants to increase N.Y.-N.J. port security Sen. Charles Schumer believes that the U.S. Coast Guard is failing to implement a capable security system for the Port of New York and New Jersey, Newsday reported.
   The SAFE Port Act, signed by Bush in October, calls for the Coast Guard to have a credible long-range tracking program for large vessels by April 1. According to Schumer, the agency has not done so.
   Information is at a premium these days, but there is an inability to identify and track deep-water vessels, he said. The current system, AIS, which is run by the Maritime Exchange, has a range of about 20 miles. The long-range GPS tracking program would ideally have a range in excess of 2,000 miles.
   “It is baffling that the Coast Guard is so reluctant to incorporate readily available technology that will give us this system immediately and allow us to keep a vigilant watch over our ports,” Schumer told Newsday.