I'm all for greater security - absolutely no doubt about that all.
There has been quite a lot of debate in my workplace about what happens with this information when they have it and how its managed.
Kempus, you have hit the nail on the head - it was in this very context that the matter was discussed. Crew being photographed and finger printed while visitors "sailed" through Immigration.
Some of the guys here were a little worried about what actually happens to their "scans" & "photos" after they're taken as non-citizens have precious few rights.
I guess some people place a greater value on their biometric data than others. Its an interesting debate which I think will continue for some time.