Port of Palm Beach Selected for Counterterrorism Patrol Program

The Port of Palm Beach has been selected for a demonstrate of a private-sector approach to waterborne security patrols. SeaWolf Security Group will be conducting a pilot program that will patrol the ports harbor and waterways using purpose-designed security boats and specially trained operators. SeaSecure LLC is managing the pilot program.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) January 30, 2004 ---The Executive Director of the Port of Palm Beach, Richard Wainio, announced that Port of Palm Beach has been selected as one of the first ports in the nation to demonstrate a private-sector approach to waterborne security patrols. SeaWolf Security Group, Inc. of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, an international provider of port security services, will be conducting a pilot program that will patrol the ports harbor and waterways using a variety of purpose-designed security boats and specially trained security operators. SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security services, is managing the pilot program.

The recent elevation of the nations security level to Condition Orange coincided with an increase in the Maritime Security Level to MARSEC 2," explained Mike Fletcher, President of SeaWolf. With this increase came recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security that ports increase waterside security with an eye to preventing attacks, such as those committed by al-Qaeda against the USS Cole and the French oil tanker Limburg. SeaWolf is unique in having both specially-configured security vessels and trained experts to provide seaports with protection from a sea attack." The USCG has encouraged US ports to provide in-water security to protect shipping. When there are cruise ships in port, such patrols become mandatory. They are usually performed by either local law enforcement or the cruise ships, which deploy lifeboats to enforce stand-off requirements set by the Coast Guard.

This Florida port security pilot program seeks to demonstrate a cost-effective adjunct to law enforcement that could be employed during periods of heightened concern. The organizers will offer media briefings between February 13 -- 15, including limited in-water observation sessions.

The Port of Palm Beach is proud to be the first port to assist in this pilot program," said Mr. Wainio, the Ports Executive Director. We look forward to working with SeaWolf, the US Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies to evaluate this very important pilot program. The findings of this effort will potentially see application throughout the US port system, as the industry strives to meet the compliance requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the US Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002."

The Port of Palm Beach, which has established itself as a leader in port security, is also the fourth busiest container port in Florida and the eighteenth busiest in the continental U.S. In addition to being a homeport to a day-cruise ship with twice-daily sailing, and having an intermodal capacity, the Port is a major nodal point for the shipment of bulk sugar, molasses, cement, utility fuels, water, produce and breakbulk items.

Stringent port security standards have been established as a result of the passage of the International Port Facility and Security (ISPS) Code. The US version of the ISPS Code is the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). The ISPS Code was adopted by the UNs International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address maritime security at all international ports and the security of ships engaged in international commerce. The ISPS Code has set strict standards for port and ship operators that must be achieved by 1 July 2004.

About SeaWolf:
SeaWolf Security Group is a leading private-sector provider of waterborne security services in the United States, and uses specially trained boat crews and purpose-built vessels. SeaWolf provides 24/7 protection of harbors, waterways, and sea approaches, in addition to providing land based patrol officers. SeaWolf operates a variety of patrol vessels ranging from 60+ feet to specially configured personal watercraft, such as PortRunners and patrol kayaks. Each boat is crewed by one or more security officers who are specially trained in maritime-related security and safety functions, including the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. With this array of security boats to choose from, SeaWolf is capable of offshore, blue water picket and interdiction patrols, as well as patrolling shallow, restricted, or environmentally sensitive areas of client ports. SeaWolf also provides maritime support for special public events. For more information on SeaWolf: www.seawolfmarinepatrol.com.

About Port of Palm Beach:
The Port views its mission as a proactive endeavor in the regional international trade community. Port users are encouraged to maximize the total infrastructure capabilities of the Port District. The Board of Commissioners and the management team have addressed the marketability as well as the implementation of projects needed to bring the Port into the 21st century of port technology facilitating the export/import of goods from the county, region and state.

About SeaSecure:
SeaSecure is widely recognized as the nations leading expert in maritime security, and its staff have performed security and vulnerability assessments in over 90 countries and 165 seaports. In 2001, SeaSecure was selected to be the lead security consultant to all of Florida's deep-water ports and, in 2002, to perform seaport and facility vulnerability and threat assessments at over a dozen strategic seaports in the United States. SeaSecure's international clients include some of the world's largest seaports, shipping companies, and cruise lines. SeaSecure provides recognized maritime security training to governments and industry, including the US and Chinese governments.

Press Contact:
Ron Thomason: 954-567-4700
www.seasecure.com

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