Waterways - Security Awareness

Ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials by water presents an ever increasing challenge. The Coast Guard, in partnership with the entire maritime community, intends to meet that challenge. The Marine Technical and Hazardous Materials Division of the Office of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection leads the Coast Guard's hazardous materials' safety efforts. The National Strike Force (NSF) contains immediate action teams that deal with HAZMAT disasters.

To avoid security breaches during HAZMAT transport by vessel, take the following steps:

• Report suspicious incidents or events.
• Implement routine security inspections.
• Convene regular employee and management meetings on security measures and awareness.
• Check the adequacy of locks and other protective equipment. Consider equipping access gates with timed closure devices.
• Conduct frequent inspections.
• Secure valves, manways, and other fixtures on transportation equipment when not in use. Use tamper-resistant or tamper-evident seals and locks on cargo compartment openings.

To learn more about Waterways HAZMAT visit our DOT Waterways HAZMAT Online Training web page.