USCG claims 45% ISPS compliance

Almost half the ships entering US ports now comply with stringent new international anti-terror codes due to take effect on July 1, according to a top U.S. Coast Guard official.

The IMO claims that less than 20% of the world’s merchant fleet and 10% of the 6,000 port facilities complied with the new International Ship & Port Facility Security Codes (ISPS) laws which are the toughest since World War II. But Rear Adm. Larry Hereth, the Coast Guard’s director of port security, told reporters the USCG’s latest figures showed about 45% of vessels entering US ports now had International Ship Security Certificates.

He said discussions with the World Shipping Council and other trade organizations supported the USCG’s expectation that most vessels trading with the United States would have ship-shape security systems in place on time.

Many experts regard the USA, fearful of a seabourne attack against one of its ports, as the litmus test on compliance for the industry because of its tough rhetoric. The new code stipulates that ports visited in the complex web of trade need to be security certified, with vessels required to keep a log of the last 10 ports they visit. The Coast Guard has warned repeatedly that ships, including oil tankers, could be denied entry if they do not have security plans in place or if they call at a non-compliant port. But Hereth said he did not expect oil supply to be affected.