The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a notice in regard to vessels that have called at certain ports in Nigeria in their last five port calls. The requirements apply as of June 26th, 2014.
The advisory requires the following to be done while the vessel is in a Nigerian port:
1. Implement measures in accordance with the vessel's security plan which are equivalent to Security Level 2.
2. Ensure that each access point to the vessel is guarded and that such guards have total visibility of the exterior, both landside and waterside, of the vessel. Guards may be provided by the vessel's crew. If this option is employed it may be necessary to place additional crew onboard the vessel to ensure that the limits on maximum number of hours of work is not exceeded and that the minimum number of hours of rest are met. Outside security forces approved by the vessel's master and Company Security Office may be used in the alternative.
3. Attempt to execute a Declaration of Security.
4. Log all security actions taken in the vessel's security records; and
5. Report all actions taken to the cognizant USCG Captain of the Port prior to arrival in the US.
Vessels that have visited Nigeria in their last five port calls will be boarded or examined by the USCG to ensure that the vessel performed the required actions. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in a delay or a denial of entry into the US.
The advisory further provides that for vessels which have visited Nigeria on or after June 26, 2014 may be required to provide armed security guards at each access point to the vessel and that such guards have total visibility of the exterior (both landside and waterside) of the vessel while in US ports. The number and location of the armed guards must be acceptable to the USCG Captain of the Port.