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Admiral reminds ‘maritime partners’ about MTSA implementation (4/15)

U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thomas H. Collins, the agency’s commandant, recently distributed a letter to “maritime partners” concerning deadlines related to the Maritime Transportation Security Act. The mid-March communication includes a reminder about the Coast Guard’s “help desk” that provides the latest details on maritime security regulations. The text of Admiral Collins’ letter follows. “As you are by now well aware, the January 1, 2004 deadline for submitting security plans required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) has passed, and the implementation date of July 1, 2004 for vessel and facility security will soon be upon us. “To date, we have received security plans from over 95 percent of those vessels and facilities required to comply with the MTSA. This is no small accomplishment. However, plan approval is only a part of the security process. The implementation of those security plans by the vessel and facility operators is the crucial element that will solidify the MTSA foundation. I ask that you please ensure your members are aware of the approaching compliance date and are fully prepared to implement their individual security plans. The Coast Guard takes these security requirements very seriously, and we will aggressively enforce the July 1 deadline. “Additionally, if they have not already done so, I strongly urge your members to submit their security plans now. To facilitate this effort, the Coast Guard has established a help desk to provide a “one-stop-shop” for up-to-date information on implementation of the maritime security regulations. Your members can visit the help desk web site at the following address: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/mtsa.shtml “The help desk itself operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 1-877-MTSA-Aid (1-877-687-2243) or 202-366-9991 for all MTSA-ISPS needs. The help desk staff will either immediately respond to questions or will research the issue and promptly provide a written response. “I thank you and your members for their efforts thus far, and look forward to the full implementation of the MTSA so that, together, we can make our waterways safe and secure.”