TSA HEAD SAYS MARITIME SECURITY NEEDS “EQUAL SCRUTINY” TO AIR SECURITY

TSA HEAD SAYS MARITIME SECURITY NEEDS “EQUAL SCRUTINY” TO AIR SECURITY

TSA HEAD SAYS MARITIME SECURITY NEEDS “EQUAL SCRUTINY” TO AIR SECURITY

   While air transportation has received most of the attention so far, maritime security needs equal scrutiny, said Adm. James M. Loy, Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Security and head of the Transportation Security Administration.

   Loy told a meeting of the National Defense Transportation Association that less than two percent of all cargo containers arriving at the United States’ 361 commercial seaports are inspected prior to forwarding to their final destinations.

   The former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard said that the Transportation Security Administration is responsible for security in all modes, including airways, highways, waterways, railways, transits and pipelines.

   “What we have to do is weigh value against vulnerability as we find ways to make transportation as safe and secure as possible,” he said.

   Admiral Loy pointed out the 100 hours of training received by all airport screening personnel under TSA.    He also told the audience that stakeholders must play a part in any changes that take place.    To that end, he invited members of the National Defense Transportation Association to participate in the process with ideas and suggestions.

   “We’re working toward a security system for tomorrow that’s better than today’s,” Loy said.    “And I assure you that our system today is better than yesterday’s.”