Conferees to determine which law covers vessel security plans

Conferees to determine which law covers vessel security plans    The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2004, approved last week by the U.S. Senate, now goes to conferees of the Senate and the House of Representatives to work out differences between the Senate’s bill and the version previously passed by the House.
   The major difference between the two bills concerns security plans for foreign vessels subject to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
   The House bill would require such a vessel to submit its security plan to the Coast Guard for review and approval, in accordance with language in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
   The Senate bill would deem such a vessel to be in compliance with the security plan provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act if the ship has a security plan that has been approved in accordance with the ISPS Code, and operates in compliance with that plan.