Coming soon: "Small Vessel Security Summit"

Reported here:

The U.S. Coast Guard announced today it will participate in the first-ever Department of Homeland Security-sponsored small vessel security summit to be held in June to discuss ideas for improving security for vessels not covered by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff is expected to deliver the keynote address. Details on the location, dates and time of the summit will be announced once finalized.

“We want to hear ideas from the people who regularly use our ports and waterways to determine how we can better structure new safety and security regimes that will have a minimal impact on those who rely on our waterways for their livelihood as well as recreation,” said Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the Coast Guard.

DHS will invite representatives from recreational boating organizations, operators of small commercial and fishing vessels, and other stakeholders to a two-day meeting in the Washington area to discuss options for improving maritime security. Other federal agencies expected to participate in the summit include Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, the FBI and others with an interest in security in the port environment.

Photo is of a Bertram 630.