On April 12, 2025, the USCG decommissioned Homeport. The USCG stated that the “Homeport system is facing increasing costs and system obsolescence. As a result, it is no longer a viable tool for managing the many functions required to ensure the smooth and safe flow of vessel traffic.” It is unclear what, if anything, will replace it (which FSOs and other MTSA stakeholders primarily used for MARSEC status and Transportation Worker Identification Credential New Hire compliance). With respect to the former, the USCG now posts MARSEC Levels for each Captain of the Port Zone via its Navigation Center website. With respect to the latter, the Office of Port & Facility Compliance “will work directly with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to verify newly hired employees.” FSOs seeking to verify the status of a newly hired employee for accompanied access to secure areas must email TWIC.HQ@uscg.mil.
DHS and DOJ Issue Interim Final Rule Implementing the SAFER SKIES Act
On July 1, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementing the SAFER SKIES Act and