For Immediate Release
May 20, 2003
U.S. Coast Guard Honors Port of Oakland for its Security Efforts

OAKLAND, Calif, (May 20, 2003) - The Port of Oakland received a certificate of merit Tuesday from the United States Coast Guard recognizing the Maritime Division’s continued efforts to facilitate new security mandates at the Oakland seaport. Commanding Officer Gerald Swanson, captain of the United States Coast Guard Northern California division, presented the award during the Board of Port Commissioners meeting Tuesday, May 20. “We wanted to recognize the Port of Oakland for its superior performance, assistance and help with the Port Safety and Security Committee of Northern California,” Swanson said.

Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, the federal Department of Homeland Security, under the Maritime Transportation Security Act, called for the formation of security committees - consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard, port operators, vessel and terminal operators, shipping companies and various federal and local law enforcement agencies – to revise existing security policies and create more stringent guidelines.

The Northern California committee has met monthly at the Port of Oakland creating a new security plan that will be complete this year. Swanson praised the Port for its commitment of staff, facility and other resources and offered special thanks to Maritime Division Operations General Manager Ray Boyle and Ramona Dixon, Maritime’s project assistant traffic representative.

Port of Oakland Executive Director Tay Yoshitani also recognized the dedication of the Coast Guard to enhancing security in our region and the highly cooperative relationship between the organizations, "The events of 9/11 forced us to work even closer with the Coast Guard and I’m happy that all of our interactions have been exceptionally professional and productive." Yoshitani stated, "Maintaining the safety and security of Port workers and visitors, and the integrity of our seaport operations are of paramount importance."

The Port's Director of Maritime, Jerry Bridges, explained that the new security requirements include more thorough use of facility, access, and perimeter controls and identification systems - all items the Port of Oakland has and is in the process of implementing.

“The Port is way ahead of many other organizations. We’re pleased about that,” Captain Swanson said. “Our main objective is to strengthen security and continue to facilitate commerce with minimal delays,” he added.

Last year, the Port’s Maritime Division received a $4.8 million grant from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a new emergency communications system, a seaport video camera surveillance system and an access control system. Decisions on additional funding from a second TSA grant pool, of which the Port has also applied, are expected in June.

Contact:
Marilyn Sandifur
Media and Public Relations Manager
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com

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