Bermuda is set to bring in new laws to deal with terrorism on the high seas -- with maximum penalties of life imprisonment for offenders.

The hard-hitting legislation is intended to combat hijacking and terrorist bombing of ships or ports.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell, who also has responsibility for marine matters, said: "It's very extensive legislation and it could be important if we ever have any terrorist activity in Bermuda -- although that is very unlikely.'' He added: "The legislation also covers control of a ship which might be overcome in our waters and the right to information on passenger and cargo manifests.'' The legislation is being introduced in the wake of a joint UK and US memorandum and is patterned along recent British legislation, especially the law of the Isle of Man.

Attention was focussed on terrorism at sea after the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked by Arab extremists in the 1980s.

Mr. Dodwell said that Bermuda needed legislation on terrorism because of the cruise ship industry and the number of vessels registered on the Island.

The legislation -- The Maritime Security Act 1997 -- creates new offences of endangering ships or their safety by , for example, putting bombs on them, committing acts of violence on board or damaging vessels.

A new crime of endangering safety by threatening ships' officers into acting against their will also go on the books.

And captains of Bermuda-registered ships will be given the power to turn over offenders to the Island authorities -- even if the offence occurred outside Island waters.

The Governor will also be able to order the Director of Marine and Ports Services to ensure that searches of vessels, harbour areas and individuals if there are reasonable grounds to suspect terrorist activity.

Restricted zones in harbours can also be set up on the Governor's instructions. The restrictions could be imposed between certain times or when a ship is berthed.

Ships can also be impounded at the order of the Director if directions to deal with the threat of terrorism are not carried out.

WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS CON Workshops for teachers CedarBridge Academy teachers met last week to prepare the opening of the new school at Prospect in September.

Principal Ernest Payette said close to 80 teachers met daily in workshops.

And he admitted that he was overwhelmed with the level of enthusiasm shown by the participants.

"I was concerned because it's been a busy school term,'' he said. "One would have expected them to be tired, considering it has come to an end. But that was not the case at all. What I saw was enthusiasm. It was kind of rejuvenating for me.'' The workshops, Mr. Payette explained, focussed on a variety of issues, including operational matters, team building, and curriculum.

"We looked at how we're going to have school improvement,'' he said. "This applies to staff and the building as a whole. If we don't build that in at the start, we will stagnate.'' "We're also looking at what makes a good classroom environment, at internal communications among ourselves, with parents and the community, and the decision making process in schools -- who takes responsibility for what,'' he added.

Teachers have also been working on the school's mission statement and code of conduct for students and staff.

TOURISM TOU