SURFACE TRANSPORT SECTOR ON WATCH FOR TERRORIST THREATS
The rail and maritime industry have stepped up security across their operations since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, industry representatives told members of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Tuesday.
“In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, railroads tightened security, restricted access to important facilities, and intensified inspections across their systems,” said Ed Hamberger, president and chief executive officer for the Association of American Railroads.
In his testimony, Hamberger outlined the steps taken by the rail industry to help deter future terrorist attacks:
* The rail industry has daily contact with the National Security Council through the Transportation Department’s intelligence office.
* The AAR has hired experts in the areas of foreign intelligence and Defense Department operations to help assess operational and information security.
* The rail industry has created five focused areas to assess security — physical assets, such as bridges, tunnels, control centers and dispatching centers; military operations; information technology and communications; operational security; and hazardous materials.
* The rail industry is working with the FBI’s National Infrastructure
Protection Center.
* The AAR is establishing a rail industry system (Information Sharing and Analysis Center) to combat cyber threats and terrorism.
“Railroads already have in place practiced programs and procedures to protect the communities we serve and our employees, and to sustain the flow of freight,” Hamberger said.
Similarly, the cargo vessel operators have enhanced security, said Joseph J. Cox, president of the Chamber of Shipping of America, which represents 21 U.S.-based companies that own, operate and charter oceangoing tankers, containerships, chemical tankers and other merchant vessels.
Cox outlined for the subcommittee actions taken by the industry in wake of the terrorist attacks:
* Ship operators are aware of the potential for use of ships as mechanisms for terrorist activities. Close review of crew lists and documents, in addition to stepped up watches while in terminals.
* Ship operators are complying with the U.S. Coast Guard’s request for crew lists at least 96 hours in advance of vessel arrival in port.
* American pilots should ensure that masters are fully aware of the intended track of the ship and maintain separate communications with responsible shore personnel.
* The Vessel Traffic Service controllers should be vigilant about vessel traffic.
* Agents representing the carriers should review ship documents closely for “non-conformities” and resolve issues prior to vessel arrival.
* Ports should limit access to their facilities to persons with business and proper identification.
* Lightering operators are adding deck watch, keeping radar active and conducting more frequent patrols with routine communications with Coast Guard.
* The industry is working with various government agencies, such as Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Service.
“Some operations, such as a marine terminal at a refinery, may have additional safeguards,” Cox said. “In any port/ship interface, there is a need for the knowledgeable persons to communicate with each other. We believe this is taking place at oil terminals.”