March 18, 2008

USCG adds Iran to port security advisory list

The U.S. Coast Guard alerted the maritime community today that Iran has been placed on the port security advisory list.

The Coast Guard determined that Iran has not maintained effective anti-terrorism measures. The determination was made in accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into account several factors, including whether a foreign port poses a high risk of introducing terrorism to international maritime commerce.

Ships arriving to the U.S. that have visited any of these countries within their last five port calls must take special measures while in those countries as a condition of entry into U.S. ports. Vessels that visited countries on the USCG list during their last five port calls will be boarded at sea by the Coast Guard to ensure the vessel took the required actions. Failure to properly implement the actions will result in denial or delay of entry into the United States.

Download Port Security Advisory 3-08 for full details