Australia issues maritime security warning
Australia has warned its maritime industry that security plans for vessels and facilities must be submitted by March 1 to the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS).
“We do not have a choice here, it is as simple as that,” said Andrew Tongue, first assistant secretary to the Office of Transport Security within DOTARS.
“If a maritime industry participant does not have its plan in to us by March 1, there is a risk the plan may not be approved and implemented by July 1,” Tongue said, referring to the worldwide enforcement deadline for the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Security Code.