COAST GUARD DISPELS “FALSE REPORTS” ABOUT U.S. PORT OPERATIONS

COAST GUARD DISPELS “FALSE REPORTS” ABOUT U.S. PORT OPERATIONS

COAST GUARD DISPELS “FALSE REPORTS” ABOUT U.S. PORT OPERATIONS

   The U.S. Coast Guard said there are “many rumors” and “false reports” regarding its security measures for vessels, crews, and passengers arriving in U.S. ports.
   “The gist of these rumors is that ships, crews, and passengers from particular countries would not be allowed into port and that certain crew and passengers for some ships allowed to enter would not be allowed to leave their ship,” said a statement released from the Coast Guard’s Washington headquarters. “These rumors are false.”
   However, the Coast Guard is enforcing a wide range of security measures on all ships arriving in U.S. ports, and these measures may include a thorough check of crew and passenger lists and identifications.
   The Coast Guard has long required ships entering from foreign ports to provide 24-hour advance notice of arrival. These ships must now also provide a list of all persons aboard along with the advance notice. “This requirement is being applied to all ships (including U.S. flag) regardless of their country of registry, last port of call, or the nationality of those on board,” the Coast Guard said.
   Coast Guard port captains may use any security measures necessary to ensure the safety and security of their particular port. The agency is also coordinating its maritime security efforts with other federal agencies, such as Customs, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and FBI, which could affect the movement of ships, the agency said.