Foreign Ships Turned Back for Security

The Coast Guard turned away six foreign vessels attempting to enter U.S. ports without the required documentation on the first day that stricter anti-terrorism rules took effect.

Chief Petty Officer Paul Rhynard, a Coast Guard spokesman, said the names of the ports were not available for public release.

The new rules, mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act, require all foreign ships entering U.S. ports to have an international shipping security certification as well as a secured bridge and engine room. Ships must provide 96 hours’ notice before their arrival in the United States.