Florida Seaport Security Initiatives Completed by SeaSecure

The President of the Florida Ports Council, John R. LaCapra, expressed his appreciation to SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, for its having completed statewide maritime security risk assessments and security services for all 14 of Floridas strategic ports.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (PRWEB) January 22, 2004 --The President of the Florida Ports Council, John R. LaCapra, expressed his appreciation to SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, for its having completed statewide maritime security risk assessments and security services for all of Floridas strategic port facilities.

SeaSecure was selected by the state to create a comprehensive maritime security program that would ensure that each of Floridas 14 deep-water ports developed physical, personnel, and information security programs that would comply with regulatory requirements and defend against terrorism and crime. SeaSecure was awarded the contract, and named Senior Advisors on Seaport and Maritime Security, following an intensive nationwide competition.

In a letter to SeaSecure, LaCapra, who is also the President of the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council (FSTED) wrote that, Your experience in security programs, advice, and counsel in the development of relations between seaport management and law enforcement, and your promulgation of a risk assessment package for Floridas seaports has provided a foundation for Florida to build a statewide systemic approach to seaport security." LaCapra went on to say, Your participation in (security) initiatives greatly assisted in the substantial progress our seaports have made in the attainment of the security objectives and goals mandated by Chapter 311, Florida Statutes."

All of us at SeaSecure are proud to have been appointed as Floridas Senior Advisors on maritime security and to have served the ports community in this important capacity. Our partnership with Floridas ports has resulted in the state being better prepared in seaport security than any other in the country. In our post-9/11 world, the citizens of Florida can be confident that tremendous effort and accomplishment has taken place in the protection of these vital engines of commerce," said Kim Petersen, SeaSecures President. We look forward to continuing our work with the Florida Ports Council and the FSTED in the future, as we conclude the assessment and plans process mandated by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the US Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002."

Seaport vulnerability assessments and security plans are now required due to the passage of the ISPS Code and the 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 and the MTSA have set strict standards for port and ship operators that must be achieved by 1 July 2004.

About SeaSecure:
SeaSecure is widely recognized as the 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 dozens of strategic seaports in the US and overseas. SeaSecure's international clients include some of the world's largest seaports, shipping companies, and cruise lines. SeaSecure provides recognized maritime security and ISPS training to governments and industry, including the US and Chinese governments.

About Kim Petersen:
In addition to being the President of SeaSecure, Mr. Petersen is also the Executive Director of the Maritime Security Council, which represents over 70% of the worlds shipping. Kim has over 25-years of experience in security and anti-terrorism activities. His civilian career has included senior staff positions with former US Secretaries of State Kissinger and Haig. He also served at the White House, US Senate, and US Defense Department and is a former Captain in the Armys Special Forces. He has directed security for such companies as Princess Cruises and Renaissance Cruises. He attended Harvard Business School and Virginia Commonwealth University. Kim has frequently given expert testimony before Congress on maritime security and his writings have been published in several journals and books. He lectures extensively and has been featured on such programs as CBSs Sixty Minutes," ABCs 20/20," the Evening News with Peter Jennings, and National Public Radio. He is a Visiting Professor at the UNs World Maritime University and a Senior Associate Instructor at the US Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In 2003, the Secretary of Transportation appointed Kim to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council, and in 2004 he was appointed by the Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard to sit on the Area Maritime Security Committee for Southern Florida.

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

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