Further Amending Executive Order 10173, as Amended, Prescribing Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States

2002-09-03Executive Order 13273
Signed by: George W. Bush
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Headline: Expands Coast Guard Authority for Port and Harbor Security

What it does: Coast Guard leaders must be able to exercise and delegate Captain of the Port enforcement powers over vessels, ports, and waterfront facilities.

Real World Impact:
  • Gives higher-ranked Coast Guard officers authority to enforce port security rules.
  • Allows other Coast Guard personnel to be designated to enforce regulations.
  • Subjects Coast Guard enforcement actions to oversight by the department Secretary.
Topics: port security, coast guard operations, maritime enforcement, federal security rules

Summary

This order amends federal rules for protecting vessels, harbors, ports, and waterfront facilities. It defines a new Area Commander role and gives District Commanders, Area Commanders, and the Commandant authority to exercise the Captain of the Port's enforcement powers and to designate other Coast Guard officers to enforce the rules.

Coast Guard personnel, port and vessel operators, and waterfront facility managers are affected. The change clarifies who can enforce maritime security rules and strengthens oversight of port protection measures.

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