22 June 2004

U.S. in full ISPS compliance, says Ridge

The following article is excerpted from “The Journal of Commerce” edition of 21 June 2004.

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge said that "as of today, the United States is in full compliance" with international security mandates that go into force July 1.

But Ridge noted that the Coast Guard has not received security plans from all eligible vessels and terminal facilities. However, that does not stop the U.S. from meeting the UN's International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, said Capt. Peter V. Neffenger, commanding officer of the Coast Guard in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area.

"International rules require us to identify those facilities and vessels that have not complied," Neffenger said. He said that all the facilities in the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex -- the nation's largest … -- have filed plans with the Coast Guard and met security requirements. …