Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District
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Inslee Votes for Ferry Safety Legislation
15 November 2002
Late last night, U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee voted to pass the successful "Maritime Transportation Security Act" through the House of Representatives on a voice vote. The legislation was also successful in the Senate last night, and will now head to the President's desk.
Inslee commented, "I strongly support appropriate efforts to enhance the Washington State Ferry security programs and to protect individuals commuting on those ferries. In implementing security improvements, however, significant local involvement is absolutely necessary. We must put together plans that both provide needed security and maintain efficient service to ferry-goers. Under this bill ferry operators, including the Washington State Ferries, will draw up plans to be presented to the Coast Guard. The responsible federal agencies will thoroughly consider input from the local communities affected, individual elected officials of the responsible jurisdictions, and the ferry operators on the impact that final plans may have on normal commuting activity."
The legislation gives owners and operators of ferries six months to prepare and submit a security plan for the vessel. The security plan must identify the person having the authority to implement security actions, and requires that person to immediately communicate with federal officials about establishing and maintaining physical security, controlling access to secure areas of the vessel, and deterring transportation security incidents and threats. Training and periodic unannounced drills must be carried out under the plan, and the plan must be updated at least every five years. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security will review each plan, require any necessary changes, and approve the plans. Ferries will not be allowed to operate after one year if their plan has not been approved and implemented. The actual security plans are not required to be made public.