Page 24 - 2a Edicion

02 – CODIGOS ISM & ISPS, APLICACIÓN Y CASOS REALES

don’t comply with traffic service requirements or don’t have an English-
speaking deck officer on the bridge.

While in some cases captains of the port achieve these objectives by issuing
direction to specific vessel or facility operators, in other cases they serve as
honest brokers to resolve operational conflicts or to establish mutually agreed
upon procedures. This is especially true in contingency preparedness and in
addressing risks associated with new or novel operations in the port. While
individual vessel or facility operators may understandably grumble a bit about
any specific COTP requirement, most understand that a hazard to one is a
hazard to all, and that everyone benefits by working toward the objective of
a safe, secure port.
As explained on page 7, the principle of clear objective demonstrates the
purpose and driver behind COTP actions. Other principles help inform how the
Coast Guard uses its authority. The table provides some examples.
These principles help explain how the Coast Guard has served our nation so
well for so many years.

The Future of Captain of the Port Authority
Coast Guard captains of the port have served our nation for over a century,
and the need for this authority—and the Coast Guard crews who put it into
action—will continue, as well. As our economy and coastal population grow,
more commerce must pass through a limited number of ports in any given
time. Just-in-time manufacturing and rising public expectations demand
flawless performance and high safety, security, and environmental incident.
These are all areas where prudent use of COTP authorities will play a role.

One new challenge is the increased use of cyber technology in ports and the
maritime industry. Some U.S. ports have already seen cyber incidents impact
port operations.

More will come, and captains of the port will use their authorities and work
with stakeholders and experts to address these threats.

Whether risks come in the form of accidents, natural disasters, old-school
threats, or cutting-edge technology, the ever-present need to quickly and
decisively resolve safety, security, and environmental threats to port
communities tells us that COTP authorities will continue to serve the nation.
About the author:
CAPT Tucci is the past sector commander and captain of the port for Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound.
References:
U.S. Coast Guard historian’s website at http://www.history.uscg.mil
This Is the Coast Guard, Kaplan & Hunt, 1972, Cornell Maritime Press Inc., Cambridge, MD.
Endnote: 1. Federal Register, Friday, March 31, 1944. Currently reflected in 33 CFR Part 6.

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