All types of vessels in U.S. waters will be better protected according to new policies issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard announced some new measures this week targeted towards strengthening maritime security in U.S. waters.

These new security changes will address threats from terrorism and cyber security around the globe... The Coast Guard announced the first new security measure to be implemented, would be pre-boarding screening requirements on cruise ships much like those at airports.

These new security regulations would require crew members & passengers to go through airport style security screenings before boarding the cruise ship. The new changes will not affect cargo vessels & their crews bound for American waters.

The Coast Guard has also developed a list of banned items that people will not be able to bring on board cruise ships. This would include all types of guns, including stun guns and tazers. All types of explosives I.E. dynamite, fireworks, etc. Knives that exceed a certain length among other things.

"The Coast Guard, cruise ship company, and the maritime terminal reserve the right to take away(and destroy) any items that we consider dangerous or pose a risk to the safety and security of the ship, or our guests,” the agency wrote.

The coastguard has moved to standardize screening requirements mirroring those enacted by the TSA.

“These new changes will provide a consistent layer of security throughout terminals in the United States, the Coast Guard consulted with the Transportation Security Administration during the development of this proposed rule,” it wrote.

Beyond the pre-boarding screening requirements, the Coast Guard announced Thursday it is also considering new cybersecurity standards for ships and vessels.

Cybersecurity has been an area of concern for all sorts of industries, from retail stores and banks that need to protect customers’ information to airlines that want to prevent terrorists from hacking into their systems and using their planes in an attack.

Ships are also vulnerable to cyberattacks, the agency noted. It is considering new guidelines for vessels it regulates that will help protect critical maritime infrastructure.

The Coast Guard will hold a public meeting on Jan. 15 as it weighs new cybersecurity standards.

Source: www.thehill.com

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