Increased security/port threat

[AbsyBabsy]

I was just watching our local Orlando News and Wesh 2 just did a story about an increased terror alert at the port. They have homeland security all over doing additional checks and escorting the ships out of port.

In addition to the cruise ships, there is a military operations at the port including a Navy Submarine base.

They did state anytime there is an increase in the threat level, they increase security at the port.

 

[kcashner]

Interesting...we sailed right after 9/11. 2 screens of carry on luggage, (entrance to terminal and entrance to gangway), explosive dogs sniffing all passengers and luggage prior to boarding, etc. It was quite impressive.

 

[AbsyBabsy]

Interesting...we sailed right after 9/11. 2 screens of carry on luggage, (entrance to terminal and entrance to gangway), explosive dogs sniffing all passengers and luggage prior to boarding, etc. It was quite impressive.

Hi K, I remember once sailing out and the coast guard was all around us with their lights on and they would not allow any other boats near the ship. It had me concerned for a little while but I got over it!

 

[jdb in AZ]

We sailed out of Boston Harbor a month after 9/11. Military at the airport in full uniform and with guns -- felt like we were in a war zone. Guess you could say we were, since one of the high-jacked planes had taken off from Boston Logan Airport. Half the cruise passengers canceled their vacations. Security took forever because the cruise terminal didn't have enough x-ray machines. Coast guard escort out of the harbor. Underwater divers checking the ship for explosives when we docked in Canada.

It's rather unnerving, but you're probably safer after all these extra precautions than you would've been on any other cruise.

 

[GrumpyGoat]

We sailed out of Boston Harbor a month after 9/11. Military at the airport in full uniform and with guns -- felt like we were in a war zone. Guess you could say we were, since one of the high-jacked planes had taken off from Boston Logan Airport. Half the cruise passengers canceled their vacations. Security took forever because the cruise terminal didn't have enough x-ray machines. Coast guard escort out of the harbor. Underwater divers checking the ship for explosives when we docked in Canada.

It's rather unnerving, but you're probably safer after all these extra precautions than you would've been on any other cruise.

I love how civilians always say extra security is like "being in a war zone..." Believe me, you folks have no idea what it's like to be in a war zone unless you've really been in one...

 

[mnrhannah07]

I love how civilians always say extra security is like "being in a war zone..." Believe me, you folks have no idea what it's like to be in a war zone unless you've really been in one...

I'm sure PP didn't mean to offend anyone, but I can speak for "civilians" and say that being around all military personal with guns hanging kind of seem like a war-like setting. There is no disrespect in saying that, I have a BIL who served in Iraq for over a year and getting ready to go to Kosovo for a year of duty.

 

[extechie rbd/wdt]

The only thing I would take from an increased threat level at the port would be that it would take a little longer to go thru security.
The port has a boat following every ship, A to deliver the Pilot, B to pick him or her up again, and C to keep any other vessels away.

Nothing to concern yourselves about, apart from maybe a very slightly delayed boarding process.

And any delay caused by extra security would be welcomed by myself as it would have been necessary to keep me and anyone travelling with me safe.
Port Security and Homeland Security do a great job!

Ex Techie

 

[mesaboy2]

There is no Navy sub base at PC. Local news comes through again.

 

[insureman]

I love how civilians always say extra security is like "being in a war zone..." Believe me, you folks have no idea what it's like to be in a war zone unless you've really been in one...

You said it Chief.

 

[extechie rbd/wdt]

There is no Navy sub base at PC. Local news comes through again.

But is Fishlip's REALLY a restaurant, or an entrance into an underground bunker like in "War Games" with a secret Nuclear Sub base below?
That HD cam is sure suspicious!

Ex Techie

 

[kcashner]

The only thing I would take from an increased threat level at the port would be that it would take a little longer to go thru security.
The port has a boat following every ship, A to deliver the Pilot, B to pick him or her up again, and C to keep any other vessels away.

Nothing to concern yourselves about, apart from maybe a very slightly delayed boarding process.

And any delay caused by extra security would be welcomed by myself as it would have been necessary to keep me and anyone travelling with me safe.
Port Security and Homeland Security do a great job!

Ex Techie

Well said.

I know NOTHING in this area, but I was impressed with the security after 9/11. There was minimal interference with the check in and boarding process, but they were THERE with uniforms, guns, and dogs, and very obviously taking care of us.

 

[SucalT]

There is no Navy sub base at PC. Local news comes through again.

Trident Wharf, constructed between 1975-1977, is an operational facility in support of the U.S. Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Program. The wharf is 1,220 ft (372 m) long and 68 ft (21 m) wide. The wharf deck is 14 ft (4.25 m) above mean low water (MLW). Project depth at the wharf is 41 ft (12.5 m) at MLW. The wharf has three 60 ft (18.3 m) wide accesses and a rail-mounted 120-ton portal crane. The wharf is fitted with 18-inch double bitts at 15 locations and 42-inch cleats at 27 locations along the face of the wharf. An H-pile fender system is installed at 9 ft (2.75 m) spacing intervals along the face of the wharf. Four mooring dolphins are located behind the wharf next to the bulkhead wall. Each dolphin contains an 18-inch double bitt fixture. Trident Wharf and its mooring hardware were in good structural condition as of a comprehensive survey completed in 1996. Minor repairs to structural elements of the wharf were in progress as of early 1998. The pier is considered to be the strongest at Port Canaveral, but it is constructed specifically for submarine mooring.

While not a Base technically, there certainly is quite a bit of sub traffic at Port Canaveral.

 

[insureman]

It's a training exercise.

http://www.cfnews13.com/article/new...agencies-prepare-during-mock-terrorist-threat

 

[extechie rbd/wdt]

Those that have chosen or booked flight's that land in FL on the day of your cruise should look at the fact they may have a delayed arrival and possible delayed embarkation process if this threat level is continued.

Flying or arriving the night before is the best option, and if this threat level is genuine, then it is a must now.
It won't be a painful, drawn out process, but extra check's may take some time, and may eat up some "spare" time you may have planned to stop off at the liquor store etc.

Ex Techie

 

[truck1]

Hi K, I remember once sailing out and the coast guard was all around us with their lights on and they would not allow any other boats near the ship. It had me concerned for a little while but I got over it!

Its still not allowed. The port and Brevard County Sheriffs Office, both escort cruise ships into and out of PC. I want to say its a 100 foot min.

We sailed out of Boston Harbor a month after 9/11. Military at the airport in full uniform and with guns -- felt like we were in a war zone. Guess you could say we were, since one of the high-jacked planes had taken off from Boston Logan Airport. Half the cruise passengers canceled their vacations. Security took forever because the cruise terminal didn't have enough x-ray machines. Coast guard escort out of the harbor. Underwater divers checking the ship for explosives when we docked in Canada.

It's rather unnerving, but you're probably safer after all these extra precautions than you would've been on any other cruise.

That would be the USCGR Port Security Unit, or PSU. They are dual hatted to both the CG and the US Navy. I know 2 guys that work with me that are or were in the same unit. And they were both in Boston after 911. I want to say that there are 6 or 8 main units and a few smaller ones. I dont remember off hand the numbers or the make up, but I do know that each unit has several boats, and a few smaller ones, that mount 50 cal guns, and assorted other weapons. The reason that they are dual hatted is the way the CG and Navy Charters are written. The CG is the only US mil agency that has the right to stop and seize vessels at sea. They are likened to the at sea police. The main functions of the PSUs are port security,both domestic and abroad. Theyve seen service in Kuwait,protecting the Navy ports over there,(they were in several gun battles on or near the piers) and Gitmo, among other areas. They are a group I would not mess with. They train regularly against the SEAL Teams, Airforce Rangers, Marine Recon, and most other special operations teams, willing to come out and play. They regularly will go to a port and do sometype of training, usually simulated fire to keep their skills up. Theres 1 in Tampa,PSU 307 at MacDill. Most likely, they were out at the port this week. Ill have to ask.

The only thing I would take from an increased threat level at the port would be that it would take a little longer to go thru security.
The port has a boat following every ship, A to deliver the Pilot, B to pick him or her up again, and C to keep any other vessels away.

Nothing to concern yourselves about, apart from maybe a very slightly delayed boarding process.

And any delay caused by extra security would be welcomed by myself as it would have been necessary to keep me and anyone travelling with me safe.
Port Security and Homeland Security do a great job!

Ex Techie

Theres at least 2 other boats that lead and follow the cruise ships. The port has a security boat, and the BCSO will have at least 1 boat out also.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I love how civilians always say extra security is like "being in a war zone..." Believe me, you folks have no idea what it's like to be in a war zone unless you've really been in one...

You're right. Our son-in-law is currently in Iraq and has served two deployments in Afghanistan. He isn't allowed to tell it like it is, and that's probably just as well.