Posted:
October 13, 2009
In a recent bulletin, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of prevention policy, set forth guidelines for Coast Guard captains of the port to help ensure mariner shore and vessel access at port and maritime facilities that are regulated under the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
Coast Guard Captains of the port (COTPS) “have been working closely with local stakeholders on seafarer access issues and I applaud all of your efforts to date,” wrote Read Adm. Cook. “Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, there are still cases where seafarer access through a facility is outright denied for shore leave, crew change, etc. Additionally, due to requirements put in place by facility or vessel owners or operators, seafarers are prevented from leaving their ships due to financial requirements associated with authorized escorts.”
A recent study determined the Coast Guard has the authority to require MTSA-regulated facilities to provide reasonable access for seafarers, Cook wrote. Accordingly, he stated COTPS should immediately consider measures to improve seafarer access beyond its current levels, including:
“As a maritime service, it is imperative that we continue to collaboratively work through the challenges of seafarer access and develop a long term solution that meets the spirit of the International Ship and Port Facility Code and Maritime Transportation Act,” Cook wrote.
Coast Guard takes positive action to help ensure shore, vessel access for mariners
In a recent bulletin, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of prevention policy, set forth guidelines for Coast Guard captains of the port to help ensure mariner shore and vessel access at port and maritime facilities that are regulated under the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
Coast Guard Captains of the port (COTPS) “have been working closely with local stakeholders on seafarer access issues and I applaud all of your efforts to date,” wrote Read Adm. Cook. “Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, there are still cases where seafarer access through a facility is outright denied for shore leave, crew change, etc. Additionally, due to requirements put in place by facility or vessel owners or operators, seafarers are prevented from leaving their ships due to financial requirements associated with authorized escorts.”
A recent study determined the Coast Guard has the authority to require MTSA-regulated facilities to provide reasonable access for seafarers, Cook wrote. Accordingly, he stated COTPS should immediately consider measures to improve seafarer access beyond its current levels, including:
- Confirming every facility security plan (FSP) submitted for review “specifically describes how coordination of crew change outs, shore leave and visits to the vessels by union and welfare organization representatives will be accomplished by the facility ... An FSP that does not positively address this requirement should be returned to the submitter for further development before approval can be granted.”
- An FSP that indicates all mariner access will be denied should not be approved.
- Facilities operating under an approved plan that does not include a provision addressing seafarer access should be required to submit an amendment to their plan to address this issue.
“As a maritime service, it is imperative that we continue to collaboratively work through the challenges of seafarer access and develop a long term solution that meets the spirit of the International Ship and Port Facility Code and Maritime Transportation Act,” Cook wrote.