Maritime Security Handbook provides the regulated community with guidance for understanding and complying with the extensive new security requirements. This essential new reference contains legal analysis, written by Blank Rome LLP, of the new Coast Guard security regulations as well as the actual maritime security legislation enacted by Congress. Beginning July 1, 2004, vessel owners and operators must ensure their vessels are operating in compliance with these new vessel security requirements. The new regulations address such issues as port security assessments, port security plans, and other security standards, measures, and provisions. Mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act, these regulations include Implementation of National Maritime Security Initiatives, Area Maritime Security, Vessel Security, Facility Security, Outer Continental Shelf Facility Security, and Automatic Identification System (AIS). Maritime Security Handbook includes easy-to-read interpretation and analysis of these new requirements. Analysis of each requirement includes the purpose and applicability of the requirement, a dissection of the language, and recommended actions. Due to the size and complexity of the requirements, these compliance guidelines are thoroughly indexed and contain a detailed table of contents for ease of use and cross reference.