Security regulations at the West Indian Co. dock will be strictly enforced to protect against any potential terrorist activity.
Last week Saddam Hussein ordered attacks against United States and British concerns as retaliation for the bombing of Iraq. This could leave cruise ships in a vulnerable position, according to WICO officials.
Effective immediately, identification will be required for anyone entering the dock area. Parking will also be prohibited in the dock area, and visitors will only be able to board ships if they're on "official business."
The Independent's story on WICO's announcement said Coast Guard regulations are already in place. Lt. Blake Welborn of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Detachment said there is a closely monitored security zone at the dock but the threat of terrorism calls for review of that process.
Welborn said V.I. ports have gotten lax about letting delivery people on the dock based on familiarity. That will stop under the increased security.
WICO President Ed Thomas told WVWI that the practice of allowing locals to tour the ships also will be discontinued for the foreseeable future.
The Coast Guard "Passenger Terminal Security Act" requires cruise ships and ports to set up safety standard to prevent terrorism, Welborn said.
Most ships already have adequate internal security, he said. WICO's stepped-up security measures will add to that.