US to inspect all foreign ships entering its waters Nov 8, 2003 07:12:00 AM
.WASHINGT FES13 Washington, Nov 8 (PTI) All foreign ships entering the US territorial waters might undergo an inspection as a law is being inacted to check the vessels as part of tightened security measures. The US House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill that would require the Coast Guard to inspect foreign ships and review their security plans. The Senate has not voted yet on the measure. The bill would oblige the Coast Guard to assess the foreign ships to make sure that they comply with the security and safety standards established by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It also contains provisions that would help the agency to hire more personnel, authorise it to suspend or revoke a merchant seaman's credentials if the individual poses a safety or security threat. PTI Dave Shirlaw Editor SeaWaves Magazine www.seawaves.com Tel: 604-924-5401 Fax: 604-924-5403 Cel: 604-454-SHIP (7447)
