Security measures similar to those of World War II, but on a re- 

 duced scale, were put into effect. Specifically, the Coast Guard was 

 responsible for : 



a. The control of anchorage and movement of merchant vessels 

 within the territorial waters of the United States ; 



b. The supervision of loading and discharge of explosives and other 

 dangerous cargo ; 



c. The provision of fire-fighting facilities supplementing those al- 

 ready available; 



d. The development and enforcement of suitable and adequate fire- 

 prevention measures; 



e. The issuance of identification credentials and the control of access 

 to vessels and waterfront facilities ; and 



f. The operation of shore and harbor patrols in connection with 

 the foregoing activities. 



Personnel strength did not approach that of World War II. The 

 period 1950-52 saw a maximum of about 4,800 officers and men en- 

 gaged in port security activities. De-emphasis of certain functions of 

 the program reduced personnel to something under 4,000 men and 

 officers by the close of 1953. 



After the Korean emergency the port security forces declined by 

 another 2,000 officers and men. But since Executive Order 10173 re- 

 mained in effect, there was no proportionate decrease either in the 

 Coast Guard's port security responsibility or in its operational work- 

 load. 



Penalties for violation include prison sentences up to 10 years, and 

 fines up to $10,000. If a vessel is involved, it may be confiscated. 



The port security program is designed to safeguard vessels, harbors, 

 ports, and waterfront facilities in the United States and all territory 

 and water subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, exclusive 

 of the Panama Canal Zone, from destruction, loss, or injury from 

 sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents or other causes of similar 

 nature. A necessary part of the program is to prevent introduction 

 into the United States, through ports, of persons, articles, or other 

 things, including weapons of mass destruction, inimical to national 

 security. While the objectives of the program are clearly stated, the 

 character of enforcement effort is subject to change depending on na- 

 tional policy and assignment of responsibilities. 



The changing requirements of the port security program are a basic 

 concern of the Coast Guard. The program, while based on law, is 

 activated in circumstances other than a state of war by a determin- 

 ation of the President, and implemented by directives of the Secretary 

 of the Treasury as approved by the National Security Council. The 

 result has been a changing program level with shifting emphasis on 

 various facets of the program. Responsibilities within Treasury have 

 been divided between the Bureau of Customs and Coast Guard. 



