§1801. International measures for seaport and shipboard security

The Congress encourages the President to continue to seek agreement through the International Maritime Organization on matters of international seaport and shipboard security, and commends him on his efforts to date. In developing such agreement, each member country of the International Maritime Organization should consult with appropriate private sector interests in that country. Such agreement would establish seaport and vessel security measures and could include-

(1) seaport screening of cargo and baggage similar to that done at airports;

(2) security measures to restrict access to cargo, vessels, and dockside property to authorized personnel only;

(3) additional security on board vessels;

(4) licensing or certification of compliance with appropriate security standards; and

(5) other appropriate measures to prevent unlawful acts against passengers and crews on board vessels.

( Pub. L. 99–399, title IX, §902, Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 889 .)

Short Title

Section 901 of title IX of Pub. L. 99–399 provided that: "This title [enacting this chapter and section 1226 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and enacting provisions set out as notes below] may be cited as the 'International Maritime and Port Security Act'."

Measures To Prevent Unlawful Acts Against Passengers and Crews on Board Ships

Section 903 of Pub. L. 99–399 provided that:

"(a) Report on Progress of IMO.-The Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, jointly, shall report to the Congress by February 28, 1987, on the progress of the International Maritime Organization in developing recommendations on Measures to Prevent Unlawful Acts Against Passengers and Crews On Board Ships.

"(b) Content of Report.-The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following information-

"(1) the specific areas of agreement and disagreement on the recommendations among the member nations of the International Maritime Organization;

"(2) the activities of the Maritime Safety Committee, the Facilitation Committee, and the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization in regard to the proposed recommendations; and

"(3) the security measures specified in the recommendations.

"(c) Security Measures at United States Ports.-If the member nations of the International Maritime Organization have not finalized and accepted the proposed recommendations by February 28, 1987, the Secretary of Transportation shall include in the report required by this section a proposed plan of action (including proposed legislation if necessary) for the implementation of security measures at United States ports and on vessels operating from those ports based on the assessment of threat from acts of terrorism reported by the Secretary of Transportation under section 905 [46 App. U.S.C. 1802]."

Panama Canal Security

Section 904 of Pub. L. 99–399 provided that: "Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 27, 1986], the President shall report to the Congress on the status of physical security at the Panama Canal with respect to the threat of terrorism."