There have been questions in the maritime transportation industry about the effect of the new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) on Maritime Security Levels. It turns out that the Coast Guard had worked out the answer rather quickly, but, as seems distressingly common in the maritime security field, didn’t do much to let anyone know.

A Notice published on July 13th in the Federal Register announced “information and listening sessions” in St. Louis and Houston this August, to discuss the Coast Guard’s Draft CDC Security National Strategy for the maritime transportation system.

Several proposed or planned regulations in the recently released “Spring 2011” DHS Semiannual Regulatory Agenda will impact maritime transportation security. Discussed herein are USCG actions regarding: STCW implementation, TWIC Reader requirements, Cruise Ship regulations, Maritime Security updates (MTSA II), Top Screen submissions by certain MTSA facilities, and expanded requirements for NOAD and AIS.

The US Coast has just issued MTSA Policy Advisory Council Decision 02-11 (PAC 02-11), “Waiving Facilities that Transfer Certain Low Risk Commodities.” Owners/operators of MTSA-regulated facilities that transfer or store bulk commodities that are listed in the Decision as being low risk can, as long as they meet certain other conditions, apply to have the maritime security regulations in 33 CFR Part 105 waived as to their facilities.

When I wrote about the announcement of stakeholder meetings on the Coast Guard’s working draft of the Certain Dangerous Cargos (CDC) Security National Strategy (for the maritime transportation system), I seconded the notion that the USCG should webcast the sessions.