Port of Key West Selected for Waterborne Counterterrorism Patrol Program

The Port of Key West has been selected to demonstrate a private-sector approach to waterborne antiterrorism 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.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (PRWEB) February 18, 2004 -- The Port Director for the city of Key West, Raymond W. Archer, announced that the Port of Key West has been selected to demonstrate a private-sector approach to waterborne antiterrorism 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.

We have been fortunate to have a top team of federal, state and local agencies working together with my staff to formulate and implement our security plan," said Archer. Security is, and will continue to be, a team approach in Key West. Although the citys Marine Patrol Unit provides strong security for our port facility, we are always interested in learning about new approaches."

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 program is a partnership between the US Coast Guard, the Key West Police Department, the Port of Key West, SeaWolf, and SeaSecure. The organizers will offer media briefings between February 20-21, including limited in-water observation sessions.

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.

About the Port of Key West:
The Port of Key West is a recognized leader in its proactive, collaborative approach to passenger security. The Port is one of the few in the state to receive consistent security compliance ratings from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the states homeland security enforcement agency. The Port of Key West is the nations largest port-of-call and the sixth largest port-of-call in the Caribbean. More than 20 percent of Floridas home-ported passengers visit Key West, making it one of the states most vital inter-modal passenger links.

About SeaWolf:
SeaWolf Security Group is believed to be the largest 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 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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