MPs yesterday passed The Merchant Shipping Amendment Act 2004 which provides regulations that keep Bermuda?s ports in line with international conventions on security.

In describing the Act Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said: ?Following the events of September 11, 2001, the vulnerability of the global transport infrastructure, both as a potential target for terrorist activity and as a potential weapon of mass destruction, was made clear. The International Maritime Organisation has responded to this potential threat of terrorism by adopting amendments to the Solas Convention. These impose international standards for ship and port security through a requirement on states to implement new measures to prevent and suppress terrorism against shipping.?

Dr. Brown said the act will: ?Keep Bermuda in line with UK primary legislation and provide the means to implement the required secondary legislation.?

It will also provide a means to introduce international security requirements applicable to merchant shipping without compromising the constitutional responsibilities held by the Governor and already provided for through the Maritime Security Act, he said.