Regional: Caribbean ports likely to miss security deadline

KEY WEST, Fla. (Reuters) - A majority of Caribbean and Central American ports will fail to comply with new international anti-terror security standards by a July 1 deadline, says a study by Florida and Caribbean maritime and port officials.

Noncompliance could mean costly delays and detours that could hit trade into Florida, the largest U.S. trading partner of nearly every Latin American country except Mexico, and impact passenger itineraries by cruise ships.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code mandate, adopted by the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations group, affects 10,000 U.S. flag vessels and 5,000 facilities worldwide.

"As of June 1, 2004, the majority of ports in the region have failed to achieve most if not all the requirements set forth in the ISPS Code," said the study, conducted by Florida-based SeaSecure LLC and released at a Florida Ports Council meeting in Key West that ended Thursday.

New security requirements include enhanced fencing, lighting, access controls, closed-circuit television, alarms and personnel training to thwart terrorism.

Failure of ports, cruise lines and cargo companies to comply could result in the Coast Guard denying ships entry and hefty fines. Florida ports are expected to meet the mandate.

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