Lines face rising bills for security compliance

Ray Smuts GLOBAL BREACHES of security are not a temporary item on the terrorist menu. That much was evident from the 8th National Maritime Conference as US president George W Bush and his closest ally British prime minister Tony Blair continued to lobby for support to take on Iraq in a war that holds dire international economic consequences. Addressing the assembly on Ship Security Measures since September 11 (2001) along with its associated costs, Barry New, m.d. for P&O Nedlloyd in South Africa, pointed to the immediate new emphasis to secure borders and safeguard against terrorist activities, the reaction to which resulted in a “near standstill” of the world economy. Alluding to the post-9/11 anti-terrorism Port and Maritime Security Bill which includes increased container inspection - the 24-hour advance manifest rule is now in force - he said while such measures may seem excessive they were essential given that almost 50% of the value of total (US) imports arrived containerised by sea. US Customs initiatives have won the support of both the G8 and World Customs Organisation for their approach to increased customs measures. Further measures to improve security in ports and on vessels included a section aimed at enhanced crew member and international seafarer identification. This involves a fingerprinted smart card to enable tracking, a proposal still deemed highly controversial by certain countries claiming it to be an infringement of seafarers’ rights New believes nevertheless that improved identification methods, to be ruled on by the International Labour Organisation by July, are crucial. Should this form of identification be approved, implementation would be borne at “extensive cost” by individual shipping companies.