I think its fair to say that the u.s. takes a namby pamby, utterly ineffective approach to its security. Its also fair to say that some organizations have an overinflated sense of importance regarding security concerns.
There is a boat tour on a not very impressive boat through a not very impressive port - The Port of Houston. Here is the security notice on their website...
http://www.portofhouston.com/samhou/samhou.html
SECURITY NOTICE
Because of heightened security measures, regularly scheduled tours aboard the M/V Sam Houston may be canceled without advance notice. Before making the trip to the Port of Houston for a tour aboard the Sam Houston, please consult this Web site for information on the status of your tour.
Security regulations also prohibit the carrying of any camera equipment aboard the M/V Sam Houston and the taking of photographs from aboard the ship is strictly prohibited.
Also, large baggage such as backpacks and oversized purses are not allowed on board. Passengers' personal belongings may be subject to searches in accordance with federal regulations. The PHA reserves the right to refuse passage to board the vessel to any person for any reason at any time.
We're taking a boat ride, not planning an attack! If we wanted to take out your oil refineries, they would have been long gone
Get over yourselves and your overinflated sense of importance.