About the Author
After graduating from Georgetown University Law Center and clerking for a federal appeals court judge, I spent a career in the Navy JAG Corps, during which I picked up an LL. M. in Law and Marine Affairs and spent lot of time on Law of the Sea, Oceans Policy, and Rules of Engagement issues. In early 2004, a few years after retirement, I was selected to head up Maritime Protective Services, Inc., a MTSA/ISPS Code training and consulting company with offices in South Florida and England.
For more information on John C.W. Bennett, click his picture (gravatar).
Author Archives: Debbie Whaley
USCG to Webcast CDC Strategy “Listening Sessions”
When I wrote about the announcement of stakeholder meetings on the Coast Guard’s working draft of the Certain Dangerous Cargos (CDC) Security National Strategy (for the maritime transportation system), I seconded the notion that the USCG should webcast the sessions. … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security, Policy
Tagged CDCs, Meetings
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USCG Waives Maritime Security Regulations for Some Facilities
The US Coast has just issued MTSA Policy Advisory Council Decision 02-11 (PAC 02-11), “Waiving Facilities that Transfer Certain Low Risk Commodities.” Owners/operators of MTSA-regulated facilities that transfer or store bulk commodities that are listed in the Decision as being … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security
Tagged MTSA, Regulations, USCG
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Maritime Transportation Security in the DHS Regulatory Agenda
Several proposed or planned regulations in the recently released “Spring 2011” DHS Semiannual Regulatory Agenda will impact maritime transportation security. Discussed herein are USCG actions regarding: STCW implementation, TWIC Reader requirements, Cruise Ship regulations, Maritime Security updates (MTSA II), Top … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security, TWIC
Tagged Cruise Ships, MTSA, Regulations, TSA, TWIC, USCG
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USCG Announces Stakeholder Meetings on CDC Security Strategy
A Notice published on July 13th in the Federal Register announced “information and listening sessions” in St. Louis and Houston this August, to discuss the Coast Guard’s Draft CDC Security National Strategy for the maritime transportation system. The two sessions … Continue reading
AAPA Session Details Some USCG Facility Inspection Results
The recent American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Port Operations, Safety and Technology Seminar included a Panel on “Regulatory Updates Roundtable: Safety and Security.” This Panel included a presentation on “Coast Guard Regulated Waterfront Facilities—Port Safety Requirements” that also covered … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security, Port Security
Tagged Maritime Security Training, MTSA, USCG
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Ports Session Reveals Some TWIC Pilot Results/Lessons Learned
Presentations at the recent American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Port Operations, Safety and Technology Seminar provided some insight into what was learned during the operational phase of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Pilot. The Seminar, which obviously covered … Continue reading
IMO MSC Meeting Results Announced, Documents Now Available
On May 26th, the International Maritime released a press briefing summarizing the results of the 89th session of its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in London from May 11th to the 20th. In addition to safety, the MSC is responsible for maritime … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security
Tagged Counter-Piracy, Guidance, IMO, ISPS Code, LRIT, Maritime Piracy, Meetings, Piracy, SSAS
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IMO Issues Guidance on Use of Armed Security in IO
After years of recommending against the use of weapons to defend against piratical attacks, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finally approved a Circular with interim guidance to the industry on the use of “privately contracted armed security personnel on … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security
Tagged Counter-Piracy, IMO, Maritime Piracy
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NMSAC Makes Recommendations on Seafarer Shore Access
The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) met by teleconference this morning (May 20th) to finalize a Resolution on Seafarer Shore Access. The Resolution was adopted unanimously, after two amendments. One of the maritime transportation security provisions of the Coast … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security
Tagged Meetings, NMSAC, Seafarer Shore Access
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NTAS and Maritime Security Levels
There have been questions in the maritime transportation industry about the effect of the new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) on Maritime Security Levels. It turns out that the Coast Guard had worked out the answer rather quickly, but, as … Continue reading
Posted in Maritime Security, Maritime Transportation Security
Tagged MARSEC Levels, USCG
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