ABSTRACT

The entry describes an important initiative to make ports safe. On October 13, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006. The Act is intended to “improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses.” The law addresses the enhancement of security at U.S. ports, the prevention of threats reaching the United States in the form of cargo, and the tracking and protection of containers already in transit to the United States. The entry notes that having trading partners that are certified will gain in importance.