USA

Costly guards at U.S. ports

Shipowners are facing exorbitant costs for security guards at several U.S. ports. Reports received show that the costs involved range from a few hundred dollars up to amounts exceeding USD 50,000. According to guidance circulated at New Orleans, security guards are assigned in order to prevent crew members "who are not authorised to go ashore" from leaving their ships.

One member trading ships to New Orlean reports that the U.S. Coast Guard was requiring the assignment of private security guards on vessels in order to prevent certain crew members from coming ashore. Such guards have been stationed at ship's gangways and on deck in order to prevent crew from jumping overboard whilst in port or at anchorage.

The charges vary, but recent quotes show hourly rates from between USD 25 to 30 per guard, increasing to USD 50 to 60 per hour per guard during overtime periods, and USD 75 to 90 per hour per guard on Sundays and holidays.

Reports indicate the there is not necessarily a connection between price and quality. It appears that the guards are not familiar with ships, particularly with regard to climbing pilot ladders.

Port agents and shipping companies at New Orlean reportedly raised concerns with the Coast Guard regarding the liabilities that could arise if an accident involving a security guard trying to climb a pilot ladder were to take place as ships were passing the sea buoy. As a result, such boardings are now arranged when ships make their first stop at the port, either at the anchorage or alongside berth.

There appears to be little consistency regarding how ships are treated at different ports. One ship that was required to pay USD 54,740 for security guards during a 14-day port stay at Long Beach was able to call at Oakland with the same "high-risk" crewman on board without facing any requirements for security guards. Guards are also being assigned to ships even though the crews are n possession of valid U.S. visas.

Sources in the United States have indicated that the U.S. immigration and Naturalisation Services has requested the Coast Guard to ensure that guards are posted when one or more crewmembers are in a "detain on board" status.