Ridge: U.S. ports more secure than ever

Ridge: U.S. ports more secure than ever    The United States is in full compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code that goes into effect July 1 around the world, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge declared in a speech Monday at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach.
   Congress passed parallel legislation to meet U.S. obligations under the International Maritime Organization rules and the Coast Guard is supervising the implementation by government agencies and industry of necessary security improvements identified through vulnerability studies. The Coast Guard has received nearly 100 percent of the security plans and assessments required under law, Ridge said.
   Ports and vessel operators have already begun adding security measures such as tighter background checks on employees and access control to sensitive areas, higher fencing, and surveillance cameras.
   “I am pleased to report that today our ports are more secure than they have ever been — thanks to a comprehensive, coordinated system of common standards, layered security, and advanced technologies,” Ridge said, according to a copy of his speech.
   “Shipping is a global industry; terrorism is a global problem; and our collective security requires a global solution. In the past, efforts to secure this vast global industry — both here in America and throughout the world — were isolated, scattered and uncoordinated.
   “A port of origin might inspect cargo manifests, but ignore physical securities around their port. While a port of arrival might employ security personnel, but fail to double-check container contents or crew credentials,” Ridge said.
   Governments have now partnered with industry to identify and implement one global standard for best security practices, he said.
   The Coast Guard will conduct simulated terrorist attacks on port facilities to determine where vulnerabilities still exist, Ridge said.
   Ridge will tour the Port of Houston today.