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U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District
Port Security Bulletin for the Gulf of Mexico
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(Reprint of a bulletin issued on April 27, 2004 by the U.S. Coast Guard)
Published on May 3, 2004
Although there is no intelligence to indicate an increased terrorist threat to offshore oil operations in
the Gulf of Mexico, the recent attacks against such operations in the Arabian Gulf give prudent cause
to review the current status of security for all segments of our offshore oil industry. With this in mind,
owners and operators of Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas platforms, support vessels, and vessels
that conduct lightering operations in the Gulf of Mexico are asked to carefully review their existing
security measures taking into account the following:
- Known infrastructure vulnerabilities;
- Consequence management plans;
- Required security procedures for vessel-to-vessel, vessel-to-offshore facility, and vessel-to-shore
facility operations;
- The capacity to rapidly pass security related information among all members of the offshore oil
community, through existing Neighborhood Watch networks or through other means; and,
- The liaison and coordination of designated company contingency responders with other potential
first responders.
Additionally, increased vigilance should be emphasized and suspicious activities immediately reported to
the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802), as well as to local authorities. These suspicious
activities include, but are not limited to:
- Unknown persons conducting suspicious diving activities
- Unknown persons photographing facilities or vessels
- Unknown persons attempting to gain access to facilities
- Suspicious watercraft tied to offshore structures
- Suspicious VHF radio transmissions or communications
- Inability to establish VHF communications with vessels operating offshore
- Unknown persons seeking information on facility security forces or standard operating procedures
- Vessels loitering near facilities with embarked persons perhaps taking photographs or drawing
diagrams
- Vessels loitering near tankers
- Suspicious aircraft operating near oil field facilities or vessels
- Any bomb threats to facilities or vessels
- Theft of company vessels, passes, personnel credentials, uniforms, or any other items that could
facilitate access by unauthorized persons
- Theft of company standard operating procedures, security plans, or other proprietary documents
- Unknown or suspicious persons attempting access to facilities or vessels
- Unusual e-mails related to the maritime industry
- Unexpected package deliveries, or attempted deliveries to offshore facilities, vessels, or company
offices
- Any Individuals proclaiming support for terrorist activities
- Crewmembers expressing anti-American sentiments
- The discovery of any anti-American books, pamphlets, posters, or other such articles in the
workplace
- Large vessels operating outside recognized navigation fairways
Again, the Eighth Coast Guard District has no information to indicate that an increased terrorist threat
exists in the Gulf of Mexico. Nonetheless, by taking the above recommended actions and continuing to
work together in our traditional spirit of cooperation, we will help to ensure that the Gulf of Mexico does
not become the next venue for terrorist attacks similar to those recently perpetrated overseas.
Sincerely,
R. F. DUNCAN
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
Commander,
Eighth Coast Guard District
PROTECT OUR PORTS!
CALL THE NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER
1-800-424-8802
For further security-related information you can contact William McCarson of JCC:
Office: 281-578-3388
Mobile: 281-451-0288
E-Mail: william.mccarson@jccteam.com
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