USA

Enhanced security measures for some vessels entering US

It is reported the US has a list of countries which they consider not to have implemented effective anti terrorist measures. This is based on the failure of these countries to communicate information to IMO and US which evidences their compliance with ISPS. Vessels which have called in these countries during the last five port calls will be subject to enhanced security measures when calling at a US port.

To avoid enhanced security measures which may include entry refusal to a US port, vessels whilst in those listed countries must take additional precautions as per ship's security plan level 2, monitoring and posting of guards at all access points to the ship and log all security actions.

The list of countries which is subject to change are currently Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nauru.

Owners are recommended to check the USCG for updated list of these countries on www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/xport.html.