IMO opens a new front: delegates debate proposals to improve ship security; more action likely this year. (Ocean Transportation).(International Maritime Organization)(Brief Article)

The International Maritime Organization has waded into the post-Sept. 11 war against terrorism. A dozen proposals to strengthen ship security will be considered by an IMO committee in May.

The proposals, several of which were offered by the U.S. delegation, were discussed in mid-February by a working group of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee. About 500 representatives from 65 countries participated in the week-long meeting at IMO headquarters in London.

"I think it went pretty well for the United States. Most of the issues that were raised by the U.S. in its paper were carried forward," said Clay Maitland, managing partner of International Registries Inc., which manages the registry of the Republic of Marshall Islands, a major flag-of-convenience state, from its offices in New York.

Joseph Stone, a special representative for the Masters Mates and Pilots union, agreed: "I think overall they got more than they were …