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Don't be surprised if you notice guards patrolling the cruise ship dock or new security checkpoints in boarding areas. These are just some of the results of new security plans implemented since September 11.
The U.S. Coast Guard, local port authorities, the North West CruiseShip Association, the member lines and the International Council of Cruise Lines have been working together to develop and implement plans that guard against terrorism and minimize negative impacts on cruise passengers and surrounding communities.
All North West CruiseShip Association member lines now operate at level III security status. This means passengers and visitors are subject to security procedures that are similar to those used at airports. They may be questioned, their bags will be examined and they will be required to pass through a metal detector every time they board their ships.
Alaska cruise ports are also adding security procedures that vary from port to port and according to perceived security risk. In general, security will be higher at turn-around ports such as Seward, Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco. These ports will follow more elaborate procedures because activities associated with changing passengers and crew and taking on baggage and ships stores increase security risks. Ports of call such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka will normally implement lower profile security procedures that should not severely restrict port activities. These may range from limiting public parking near dock areas to limiting access to areas adjacent to gangways.
The Coast Guard now requires all cruise ships to file passenger and crew rosters before they can dock in Alaska. Coast Guard officers also will board some ships to ensure that crews are in full control of the vessel and may escort some ships into or out of port.
Officials say there will be minor passenger inconveniences, but little impact on the general public. The biggest disruption for communities is that cruise lines may have to curtail some public events because of security risks associated with allowing large numbers of non-passengers to board cruiseships. |
