Maritime security
Subtitle: federal agencies have taken actions to address risks posed by seafarers, but efforts can be strengthened : report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
Contributors: Jeszeck, Charles A.
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 67
Subjects: Rules and practice; Evaluation; Merchant marine; Security measures; International cooperation; Merchant mariners; Identification; Ports of entry; United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States; United States. Department of Justice
Other titles: Federal agencies have taken actions to address risks posed by seafarers, but efforts can be strengthened
Description: The State Department and two components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Coast Guard, are responsible for preventing illegal immigration at U.S. seaports and identifying individuals who are potential security risks. The International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (ILO 185) to establish an international framework of seafarer identification documents and reduce their vulnerability to fraud and exploitation. GAO was asked to examine (1) measures federal agencies take to address risks posed by foreign seafarers and the challenges, if any, DHS faces; (2) the challenges, if any, DHS faces in tracking illegal entries by foreign seafarers and how it enforces penalties; and (3) the implementation status of ILO 185. GAO reviewed relevant requirements and agency documents on maritime security, interviewed federal and industry officials, and visited seven seaports based on volume of seafarer arrivals. The visits provided insights, but were not projectable to all seaports. GAO recommends that DHS assess risks of not electronically verifying cargo vessel seafarers for admissibility, identify reasons for absconder and deserter data variances, and, with the Department of Justice (DOJ), develop a plan with timelines to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation.
Notes: Title from cover screen (viewed Jan. 20, 2011).

"January 2011."

"GAO-11-195."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

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