Chairman:
Edward J. Krause III
CEO
E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc.
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief:
Michael Rosenberg
Vice President of Security
E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc.
Deputy Editor:
Paul Scott Abbott
Operations Manager:
Anna Ferris
Contact Information:
Tel: (301) 493-5500
Fax: (301) 493-5705
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Maritime hazardous
cargo bill introduced
The Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act, S. 1385, has been introduced to improve port safety and security by developing protocols, procedures, standards and requirements for handling especially hazardous cargo. Introduced June 25, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Sponsored by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg , D-N.J., with co-sponsors Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas; John D. Rockefeller, D-W. Va.; and John Thune, R-S.D., the bill would establish a committee within the International Maritime Organization that would include representatives of U.S. trading partners that supply tank, bulk or breakbulk vessel shipments of “especially hazardous cargo,” which includes liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate, chlorine and other substances or materials identified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Following enactment of the proposed act, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would have 180 days to structure a committee to formulate rules for receiving, handling, loading, unloading, vessel crewing and transportation of hazardous cargo, with rules to take effect within three years.
The bill also develops a voluntary program under which foreign ports and facilities could certify their compliance with applicable standards. Third-party validation of foreign ports and facilities would be required for this voluntary program, and the international program would include regular and uniform inspections, minimum standards, recognition and procedures for failed validation. The DHS secretary would be charged with developing standards and training for third-party validation and could use the Coast Guard Assistance Program to provide equipment, technical training and support to help foreign ports and facilities reach compliance levels.
A national strategy for waterside security of such cargo would be developed in cooperation with appropriate federal agencies within 18 months after enactment of the bill, with $2 million authorized for funding.
Full text and current status of S. 1385 may be found online at www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-1385.
M&BSN sees the Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act as another solid example of the U.S. government’s efforts to productively engage foreign ports in securing of the maritime supply chain – in this case in relation to cargos that could pose particular threats after entry into U.S. waters and ports.
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