Heightened security for ferries, cargo ships

Armed sea marshals on San Francisco Bay ferries, closer vetting of crews on cruise ships and cargo ships, and Coast Guard escorts for selected vessels are all part of the new wave in seaport security as America stands on the verge of war with Iraq. Security at major points of entry such as the Port of Oakland, the fourth- busiest cargo seaport in the United States, was already tightened in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Now, it will grow tighter, federal and port authorities say. On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said that “security has been increased at major U.S. ports and waterways with more Coast Guard patrols by aircraft, ships and boats.” More specifically, the department said, “every high-interest vessel arriving or departing from American ports will have armed Coast Guard sea marshals on board, closely watching the ship’s crew and ensuring that it makes its port call safely. These merchant ships have cargoes, crew members or other characteristics that warrant close examination.” Full Story