Coast Guard beefing up maritime security

Ships would be better protected under new rules from the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard announced two measures this week aimed at beefing up maritime security.

The security measures are intended to address emerging terror and cybersecurity threats around the globe, the agency noted.

Under the first security measure, the Coast Guard announced earlier in the week it is also considering newpre-boarding screening requirements on cruise ships much like those at airports.

{mosads}The proposed security regulations would require passengers, crew members and their luggage to be screened before traveling on a cruise ship. 

The Coast Guard is also proposing a list of items that people would be prohibited from cruise ships. This would include hand guns, shotguns, rifles, tasters, dynamite, fireworks, gasoline, tear gas and pepper spray, among other things.

“The Coast Guard and the cruise ship terminal reserve the right to confiscate (and destroy) any articles that in our discretion are considered dangerous or pose a risk to the safety and security of the ship, or our guests,” the agency wrote.

This move is aimed at standardizing screening requirements providing a “consistent layer of security at terminals throughout the United States,” the Coast Guard wrote.

“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.