Travel Weekly
02-12-2004, 05:50 PM
Posted by Travel Weekly on March 21, 2003 at 08:58:57:
Security heightened at cruise ports(3/20/2003)
By Rebecca Tobin
WASHINGTON -- Security at cruise ports was expanded this week with the introduction of the
Department of Homeland Security's "Liberty Shield," a nationwide security campaign that
includes increased water patrols and cruise ship escorts, and armed Coast Guard sea
marshals on some "high interest" vessels.
A spokeswoman for the International Council of Cruise Lines described the security hikes as
"Level III-plus." The ports and cruise industry have operated at a Level III security alert, its
highest, since 9/11.
"We're employing new security initiatives and technology that just wasn't around after 9/11,"
she said.
Additional visible security measures include increased inspections of luggage and carry-on
articles, additional security personnel and controls, and the use of canines for inspections.
The American Association of Port Authorities, meanwhile, said a port could be temporarily
closed to ship traffic if there is a threat or concern specific to that port, but a spokeswoman
said it's "not likely."
"On the cruise side, the vast majority, if not all ships, will continue on their voyages," she said.
from http://www.twcrossroads.com
Security heightened at cruise ports(3/20/2003)
By Rebecca Tobin
WASHINGTON -- Security at cruise ports was expanded this week with the introduction of the
Department of Homeland Security's "Liberty Shield," a nationwide security campaign that
includes increased water patrols and cruise ship escorts, and armed Coast Guard sea
marshals on some "high interest" vessels.
A spokeswoman for the International Council of Cruise Lines described the security hikes as
"Level III-plus." The ports and cruise industry have operated at a Level III security alert, its
highest, since 9/11.
"We're employing new security initiatives and technology that just wasn't around after 9/11,"
she said.
Additional visible security measures include increased inspections of luggage and carry-on
articles, additional security personnel and controls, and the use of canines for inspections.
The American Association of Port Authorities, meanwhile, said a port could be temporarily
closed to ship traffic if there is a threat or concern specific to that port, but a spokeswoman
said it's "not likely."
"On the cruise side, the vast majority, if not all ships, will continue on their voyages," she said.
from http://www.twcrossroads.com