Coast Guard recommends vessels calling on Libya to take enhanced security measures
The USCG has issued Port Security Advisory for Libya. Due to the continuing civil unrest and weak governmental institutions in Libya, the U.S. Government hasconcerns regarding whether the port facility security requirements of the International Ship and PortFacility Security (ISPS) Code are still being comprehensively executed and maintained.
The CoastGuard therefore recommends that vessels calling on ports in Libya take the following actions:
- Minimize ship-port interface activities such as crew changes, bunkering, and taking on stores;
- Take measures consistent with the ship’s security plan equivalent to Security Level 2;
- Ensure that each access point to the ship is guarded and that the guards have total visibility of theexterior (both landside and waterside) of the vessel;
- Attempt to clarify security responsibilities between the vessel and the port facility;
- Document/record specific actions taken in the ship’s security records required by Part A, Section10 of the ISPS Code; and
- Report the actions taken directly to the cognizant U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port prior toU.S. arrival.
Implementing the above recommended security measures will generally expedite vessel entry into theU.S.
Furthermore, vessels are advised to proceed with extreme caution when approaching all Libyan oilterminals, particularly in eastern Libya, due to potential violent and criminal activity based upon recentattempts by armed, non-state actors to engage in illicit export of oil. UN Security Council Resolution2146 authorizes the UN Sanctions Committee to impose certain measures on vessels attempting toillicitly export crude oil from Libya.
This resolution imposes several restrictions regarding loading,transporting, or discharging crude oil from Libya which may include the possible denial of port entry.
Further information regarding the UN Security Council Resolution can be found at the following article
SAFETY4SEA –Security Council adopts resolution banning illicit crude oil exports from Libya
