DHS releases small vessel security plan

WASHINGTON — Following up on its Small Vessel Security Summit in 2007 and the release of the Small Vessel Security Strategy in April of 2008, the Department of Homeland Security has released the public version of its Small Vessel Security Implementation Plan. The Small Vessel Security Strategy Implementation Plan is designed to manage risks associated with the potential exploitation of small vessels by terrorists in America’s ports, shores and waterways.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association supports the plan, saying it clearly reflects the concerns of the recreational community regarding proposed mandates that boaters carry Automatic Information System (AIS) beacons or other RFID technology. The plan does not include any mandate that boaters carry AIS or RFID transponders.

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano signed an action memo along with the plan directing each agency to look at the report and report back on how it will take action.

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