Security: Baltimore, Los Angeles

Coast Guard Again Gives Port of Baltimore Top Security Grade

For the seventh consecutive year, the public marine terminals at the Port of Baltimore have received security assessment rating of ‘excellent’ from the U.S. Coast Guard.  

"Striking a successful balance between a free-flowing movement of cargo and a strong security program is not easy," said Governor Larry Hogan. "This recognition combined with the port’s readiness today to handle the biggest ships in the world proves the future is very bright. I congratulate all the men and women at the Port of Baltimore who work very hard every day to make certain our port is a safe and secure place to conduct business."

Each year Coast Guard Sector Baltimore conducts a comprehensive inspection to ensure that the port’s six public marine terminals are in compliance with federal security regulations. The visual inspection includes a review of access control procedures and makes certain that physical security fixtures, such as high-mast lighting and fencing, meet federal security standards.

The public marine terminals are Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal), Fairfield and Masonville.

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA), which oversees the public marine terminals, has moved forward in recent years with many new security initiatives and enhancements including closed circuit television, cyber security and access control.  

"The success of this year’s exam was due in large measure to the outstanding professionalism, commitment and dedication exhibited by the port’s security department," said U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Lonnie P. Harrison, Jr., in a letter to MPA Executive Director James J. White. "I appreciate and commend these efforts as they greatly enhance our ability to meet our mutual goal of maintaining the safety and security of the Port of Baltimore."     

Los Angeles Harbor Commission Approves $1.8 Million in FEMA Grants for Port Security System and Operation Improvements


The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, the governing body of the Port of Los Angeles, has approved three grants totaling $1.8 million from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grants will support port police security and operation integration initiatives, as well as cyber security infrastructure.

As a condition of the FEMA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), the port will contribute 25 percent in additional non-federal funds, or $625,000. The match brings total funding for the three port security initiatives to $2.5 million.

The security projects to be undertaken include integration, maintenance and repair of port security systems; integration of external security video feeds from various government departments, terminals and mobile sources; improvements to the port’s mass notification system; and infrastructure upgrades that address a variety of cyber risks associated with port complex security.

"Protecting the port and the surrounding Los Angeles Harbor area communities is a top priority," said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. "These grants will allow us to continue extremely important programs and technology upgrades necessary to keep our security operations state-of-the-art."