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APL and Port of Seattle Join Public Safety Agencies in Port Security Test
FBI, Customs, Coast Guard, Port Police and city Police and Fire departments test response to mock emergencySeattle, October 3, 2006 – Global ocean-carrier APL, the Port of Seattle and numerous public safety agencies have completed a comprehensive test of security procedures at the port. The day-long exercise on September 28 tested the ability of APL, the Port of Seattle, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Seattle police and fire departments to mesh their efforts to respond to an emergency such as a terrorist threat. Attended by APL security personnel from around the world, the drill was part of APL’s continuing program to improve its port and vessel security by coordinating with public agencies. The joint vessel and terminal exercise took place at the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5, which is operated by APL subsidiary Eagle Marine Services. The test, which simulated an emergency in which a bomb threat was telephoned to the terminal, also involved the vessel APL Coral. The crew of the APL Coral and many of Terminal 5’s workers were evacuated as part of the drill. The gates, however, remained open to trucks dropping off and picking up containers. A key element of the drill was the rapid setup of an “integrated command structure” involving APL, the Port of Seattle and local and federal response agencies. The ability to communicate effectively and coordinate pre-assigned roles is considered vital to a successful response. During the test, the security level at the terminal was elevated from Maritime Security (“MARSEC”) 1 to MARSEC 3 – the highest possible level. “This was an excellent test of our ability to mobilize first-response agencies to an emergency at the port,” said Arif Ghouse, director of Seaport Security for the Port of Seattle. “Without these kinds of tests it’s hard to know what our strengths and weaknesses are and how we can improve our capabilities. There’s no doubt that this exercise has improved or ability to respond to a real emergency.” “We applaud our public-sector partners in collaborating with us and participating in this important security exercise,” said Earl Agron, APL’s vice-president of security. “Through our work today, we have moved from principles to practice and have shown we can cooperate smoothly and effectively.” About APL Media Enquiries |
