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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
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Coast Guard, Northeast Florida Ports bring government, shippers, boaters together for security

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., --  The Coast Guard, the Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange and the Port Authority Directors of Jacksonville, Fernandina and Cape Canaveral are scheduled to sign an agreement required under the Maritime Transportation Security Act formalizing two Northeast Florida regional port security committees pierside at Talleyrand Terminal Oct. 21, 2003 at 12 p.m.

          The Coast Guard published interim maritime security regulations on July 1, 2003, that have brought all federal, state and local governments with security responsibilities together through the formation of  Port Security Committees.  The new regulations also require sectors of the maritime industry to implement measures designed to protect our ports and waterways from terrorist attacks.  

          JMTX is Jacksonville's maritime trade organization created to work for the success of its membership and coordinate the safe, secure and environmentally responsible management of the marine transportation system within the port of Jacksonville.  The Port Canaveral Security Committee is a standing body of industry leaders, Department of Defense representatives, Port Authority representatives, NASA representatives, port law enforcement agencies and emergency response contractors and general agencies.

          Along with the Coast Guard, the newly enlarged and empowered port security committees will bring the resources and experience of law enforcement, regulatory agencies and port stakeholders together to develop strategies and procedures to support the goals of coastal and border security in Northeast Florida.

          Within the next year, the committees will develop Coast Guard approved Area Maritime Security Plans and conduct large-scale exercises designed to help assure our ports and coast are properly protected.

          The result of intense efforts that began in November 2001, these regulations significantly strengthen the security of our ports by requiring preventive security measures and plans to deter threats and provide a framework for response to a significant safety or security incident.

Editors note: media are invited to attend the ceremony.  Media attending the ceremony need to arrive no later than 11:45 p.m. at the Talleyrand Gate, 2085 Talleyrand Ave. which is at the intersection of East 11th St. and Talleyrand Ave.

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