PSI Exercise “Chokepoint ‘04’” Under Way in Florida

The U.S. Coast Guard is hosting a Proliferation Security Initiative training exercise, Chokepoint ’04, from Nov. 8-18, in Key West, Fla., the State Department announced yesterday (see GSN, Oct. 26).

The drill is 13th under the initiative and the first to demonstrate legal authorities created by a newly signed boarding agreement. The accord provides rapid consent procedures for boarding ships sailing under the flag of partner nations, according to the State Department.

The exercise is expected to focus on unique issues associated with interdictions in maritime chokepoints, such as straits and canals.

More than 20 countries are participating in the exercise, the State Department announced (U.S. State Department release, Nov. 9).

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