FMC TO RENEGOTIATE DATA-SHARING MOU WITH CUSTOMS

FMC TO RENEGOTIATE DATA-SHARING MOU WITH CUSTOMS    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission chairman told House lawmakers March 13 that his agency would continue to exchange information with Customs in the war against terrorism and other criminal activity.
   “The resulting cooperation between the commission’s area representatives and Customs has led to several joint field operations to investigate entities suspected of violating either or both agencies’ statutes or regulations,” said Steven R. Blust, FMC chairman, during a House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee budget hearing.
   With its licensing and bonding responsibilities, the FMC is able to provide Customs with valuable information about the backgrounds of the nation’s ocean transportation intermediaries.
   Since Customs became part of the Homeland Security Department earlier this month, the FMC expected to re-negotiate its memorandum of understanding with the newly formed Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.
   “We expect to extend our cooperative efforts, including sharing our vast collection of commercial information, to other agencies involved in maritime transportation,” Blust said.