C-TPAT: Seaboard Marine Joins Anti-terrorism Program
Seaboard Marine, a Miami-based ocean carrier, has become one of the first shipping lines to be accepted into the U.S. Customs Service’s new Customs- Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
C-TPAT, a joint government/business initiative established after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was designed to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supplychain and border security.
Through C-TPAT, Customs is developing a closer working relationship with shipping lines such as Seaboard Marine to improve the security around dockside terminals, vessels and the overall supply-chain process. Seaboard Marine’s many obligations under the program include restricting access to vessels while in port, conducting background checks on all employees, notifying Customs of cargo and shippers with unusual profiles, searching all vessels prior to arrival and inspecting all empty containers and trailers prior to loading.
The C-TPAT program is similar to another border security program called the Super Carrier Initiatives Program (SCIP), which Seaboard Marine has been a part of for more than 10 years.
“The emphasis of SCIP has been drugs and illegal contraband, whereas the C-TPAT program emphasizes border security and terrorism,” said Charles Mussoline, director of security for Seaboard Marine. “As a signatory to SCIP, Seaboard is already performing most of the security steps outlined by C-TPAT. For example, we have been performing background checks on all U.S. employees, not just those working at the docks, since 1990.”
Businesses must apply to participate in C-TPAT, agreeing to conduct self-assessments according to the C-TPAT security guidelines as well as develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout the supply chain.
John Lynch, Seaboard Marine’s president, said that C-TPAT will only serve to improve the long-standing relationship his company already enjoys with Customs.
“As an American company, we have historically had an excellent relationship with U.S. Customs,” said Lynch. “C-TPAT further strengthens our partnership and also demonstrates Seaboard’s commitment to do our part to protect our country from terrorists.”
Seaboard Marine’s participation in C-TPAT will also provide benefits for customers, since one of the benefits is expedited consideration of members’ inbound cargo upon arrival at U.S. ports. —Darryl James
