UNCLAS LONDON 002076

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC IMO
SUBJECT: ACCREDITATION - IMO - FIFTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF
THE TECHNICAL COOPERATION COMMITTEE, LONDON, JUNE 18 - 21,
2007

REF: SECSTATE 70891


1. Embassy London has requested accreditation and is pleased
to grant UK country clearance to the following delegation
members from June 18 - 21, 2007 for the International
Maritime Organization's Fifty-Seventh Session of the
Technical Cooperation Committee:

Head of Delegation

Laurence Tobey
Transportation Affairs Officer
Office of Technical Specialized Agencies
Bureau of International Organization Affairs
Department of State

Alternative Head of Delegation

Jeremy Cairl
International Affairs Specialist
Coast Guard
Department of Homeland Security

Advisors

William A. Meara
Counselor, Environment, Science and Technology
United States Embassy
London

William Paton
Counselor, Environment, Science and Technology
United States Embassy
London
Name, Representative
Name, Alternate Representative
Others


2. The Transportation Security Administration has updated
security measures in place after the August 10, 2006 civil
aviation security threat. Travelers may now carry through
security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or
less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic,
zip-top bag. After clearing security, travelers can now
bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure
boarding area on-board aircraft. In addition, larger amounts
of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic
glucose treatments will be permitted, but must be declared at
the checkpoint for additional screening. Please read current
travel restrictions and review the list of prohibited items
prior to travel:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assist ant/. This
security regimen applies to all domestic and international
flights departing U.S. airports. For flights originating in
the United Kingdom, local policies requiring only one
carry-on bag apply. The liquids ban remains in effect. As
these policies are more stringent than United States policy,
travelers should check with transportation security
authorities for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.


3. Embassy Control Officer is Senior EST Officer William

Meara, Tel. (44) 20-7894-0969;
Fax: (44) 20-7409-1637, email MearaWR@state.gov. Upon
arrival, please call the Embassy (020 7894-0704 or 020 794
0238) to confirm UK contact and telephone details so that
travelers can be reached in case of emergency.


4. Chancery Access:
If visitor requires unescorted access to the chancery, please
send level of security clearance via cable, as required by 12
FAM 443.3.


5. As noted in reftel, no Embassy assistance is required.


6. Hotel Check-In:
Please note that the check-in time at all London hotels is

1400. Early check-in can be requested but can only be
guaranteed if the room is reserved and paid for from the
night prior to arrival. Check-out time is generally 1200.
Please also note that the hotel will require a credit card on
check-in. Travelers may pay on departure with cash.
Travelers are advised against exchanging money at the hotel,
as the much less favorable rate of exchange may push the room
rate over London's per diem.


7. Changes/Cancellation of Reservations:
Any changes to hotel reservations must be made 48 hours in
advance of arrival. Changes made after that time may incur a
night,s lodging charge. Please make all changes through
your control officer and not directly with the hotel.



8. Accommodation Exchange:
ATMs are widely available in London and accept most major
U.S. ATM cards. ATM and credit card transactions obtain the
best available exchange rates. Exchange services are
available from well-known firms at the airports and train
stations. In addition, Citibank has established a bank in
the embassy where official TDYers can exchange U.S. dollars
for British Pounds Sterling (BPS) during Citibank office
hours for limited amounts. U.S. citizen direct-hire TDYers
may cash personal checks; all others should bring cash or
traveler,s checks.


9. VISA:
U.S. citizens do not require a visa, only a valid passport.
Requirements for entry to the UK of citizens from other
countries vary. Non-U.S. citizen visitors should check with
their local British consulate to determine visa requirements.


10. Electronic devices:
Privately-owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited
in controlled access areas (CAAs) of the embassy and
consulates. Travelers with USG unclassified and classified
laptop or notebook computers should review 95STATE 244394
(classified machines) and 95STATE 24382 (unclassified
machines) and notify the Regional Security Office before
bringing these machines into a CAA. Cellular telephones and
BlackBerries are also prohibited in the CAA and must be left
outside this area. Questions concerning other types of
electronic devices may be directed to the Regional Security
Office.


11. Health Concerns:
The embassy medical unit, located on the Lower Ground Floor,
has daily walk-in sick call from 0830-1000. TDY personnel
are welcome to seek medical consultation for acute illness or
other medically-related concerns at the unit.


12. Security Information for the United Kingdom:
Our current threat assessment indicates there are no known
direct immediate security problems that would affect travel
to mainland UK. Travelers planning to stay longer than 30
days are required to schedule a security briefing with the
RSO. For additional threat assessment information regarding
the United Kingdom and/or Europe, you may contact DS/ITA in
the State Department at (202) 663-0787.

-- Terrorism. The United Kingdom is stable and modern, but
shares with the rest of the world an increased threat of
terrorist incidents of international origin, as was shown
with the bombing attack in London July 7, 2005. Visitors are
reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal
security and to exercise caution at all times. The British
Home Secretary has urged its citizens to be alert and
vigilant by, for example, keeping an eye out for suspect
packages or people acting suspiciously at Underground and
railway stations and airports, and reporting anything
suspicious to the appropriate authorities by contacting the
free anti-terrorist telephone hotline on 0800-789-321.
Travelers should regularly monitor the Department,s internet
web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement can be found. In
addition, if visitors notice any suspicious activity or have
any security concerns, the embassy Regional Security Officer
(RSO) should be notified as soon as possible.

From time to time during periods of heightened threat of
terrorism, the UK government deems it necessary to raise
levels of security activity. Heightened activity may include
the use of troops, who remain at all times under the control
of the police and are part of long-standing contingency
plans. Military personnel and equipment may be deployed at
airports and other transportation links, or other public
locations. For more information about UK safety initiatives,
consult the UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat website at
www.ukresilience.gov.uk.

Political demonstrations are well policed and, except at
times in Northern Ireland, generally orderly. Although the
political situation in Northern Ireland has dramatically
improved since the signing of the Good Friday Agreements in
1998, incidents of terrorist violence have, nevertheless,
occurred in the past few years. Within Northern Ireland,
flash-points for sectarian confrontations still exist, but
they are generally removed from areas where tourists
congregate. Sporadic incidents of street violence often
erupt during the summer marching season around the July 12
public holiday. As a result, American citizens traveling in
Northern Ireland have experienced delays and disruption.

-- Street Crime: London, like other urban centers, has a
certain amount of street crime. Although on the increase,
violent criminal confrontations and the use of firearms are
relatively rare in the UK. Burglars and pickpockets are very
active and visitors are encouraged to safeguard their
valuables and not carry large amounts of cash or unneeded
credit cards. Visitors should be particularly careful on
crowded streets, in entertainment areas, in department
stores, restaurants, or on crowded public transportation.
Travelers are specifically warned not to leave valuables in
hotel rooms, regardless of the stature of the hotel.
Recently there has been a measurable increase in street
crimes involving the theft of cell phones. Visitors should
avoid as much as possible using cell phones on the streets or
in other public places. The police and other emergency
services in the UK are excellent. The nationwide telephone
number to summon emergency assistance is 999.


13. London Airport Arrival Information:

-- Heathrow Airport: The best way to get from Heathrow to
Central London is to take the Heathrow Express train. It
leaves every fifteen minutes from all Heathrow terminals.
Travel time is fifteen minutes to London's Paddington
Station. Service operates from 0510 to 2347 daily. The cost
is 14.50 pounds one-way if ticket is purchased from a kiosk
prior to boarding, or 16.50 pounds when purchased aboard the
train. Paddington Station is about a ten-minute taxi ride to
central London. Taxi (black) cab service is also available
from Heathrow to central London and the fare ranges from
60-100 pounds, but could exceed that, depending on traffic
conditions. (Prices as of March, 2006)

-- Gatwick Airport: The best way to get to Central London is
to take the Gatwick Express train, which operates every 15
minutes between Gatwick Airport South Terminal and London's
Victoria Station. Access from Gatwick's North to South
Terminal is via free monorail train. Journey time from
Gatwick to Victoria Station is approximately 30 minutes and
the service operates four times an hour from 0500 to 0135
daily. Fare is 14 pounds one-way and 25 pounds round-trip
when purchased prior to boarding. A two pound surcharge is
added when purchased aboard the train. Victoria Station is
about a fifteen-minute taxi ride from the hotels. Taxi
travel from Gatwick to Central London is extremely expensive
and time-consuming.


14. U.S. Embassy London Website:
Please visit our website for additional information:
http://london.usembassy.gov. Embassy London looks forward to
your visit.


Visit London's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm
TUTTLE