16 Jul homeland Security forum responses (312)W2
Explain the specific security challenges in the Port Maritime Environment, Risk-based Management, Megaports Initiative, and the Secure Freight Initiative.
There are a significant number of parts that make up Port Operations and even more security challenges that these different parts have to try and overcome. The greatest security challenge that is faced by every port is from terrorism. This is the case for the port maritime environment due to there being so many security infrastructure points that can target to include airports, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, inland rivers, industrial parks, world trade centers, shipyards, marinas, and other public port facilities (Christopher, 2014). These different infrastructure points are essential to the continued operations of the entire port maritime environment.
The concern for the security of ports against terrorism is that the same threats that face vulnerable land targets can strike the different infrastructure points that make up the port maritime environment. Just a few of these threats from terrorism on ports would include active shooters, the use of small vessels that are explosive-laden known as Water Borne Improvised Explosive Device, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and an attack that utilizes an aircraft or other vessel similar to the 9/11 attacks (DHS, 2015). This is where Risk Management comes into the picture for each individual port and the different infrastructure points at each individual port.
To utilize Risk Based Management is a daunting task that is an ever changing due to the different threats that arise such as the threat on the cyber security infrastructure of ports. Risk Based Management starts with the port security understanding the risks to port infrastructure that has to be identified, assessed, and managed (Christopher, 2014). Being able to determine these risk and threats and to have planning in place to mitigate their effects is essential in the continued uninterrupted operations of ports. One concept that is utilized to determine risk and to mitigate them is the Megaports Initiative.
One of the most effective security measures against terrorism is having partnerships and active communication between different agencies. The Megaports Initiative is a partnership that is between foreign customs and other law enforcement agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, and other relevant entities in partner countries that help to enhance detection capabilities for special nuclear and radioactive materials that are in cargo containers and traveling in the global maritime shipping network (NNSA, 2010). The initiative also is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of State to counter nuclear and radiological threats to the United States and its international partners by installing radiation portal monitors (RPMs) to be able to scan containers that are high-risk that are entering the United States (NNSA, 2010).
Another concept that is utilized to help with risk management is the Safe Freight Initiative (SFI). The SFI is utilized with the Megaports Initiative to help with the detection of materials that could be hazardous and lead to security risk for ports. This program is part of a layered security strategy that is currently being used around the globe and will one day be used to do a hundred percent check on all shipping containers traveling to the United States (GAO, 2010). The program has currently been difficult to continue due to countries such as Singapore backing out of the Safe Freight Initiative (GAO, 2010). The security concepts of the ports and waterways of the United States are continuously changing and will continue to have steps forward and backwards.
Gabriel Harrell
References
Christopher, K. (2014). Port Security Management, Second Edition. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/lib/apus/reader.action?docID=1578619&ppg=71
DHS (2015). Small Vessel Security. https://www.dhs.gov.small-vessel-security
Government Accountability Office. (2010, July 21). GAO-10-940T: DHS Progress and Challenges in Key Areas of Port Security. Statement of Stephen L. Caldwell, Director Homeland Security and Justice Issues.
National Nuclear Security Administration. (2010). Office of the Second Line of Defense Megaports Initiative. Retrieved from https://nnsa.energy.gov/sites/default/files/nnsa/inlinefiles/singlepages_9-15-2010.pdf
An article related to the material stated that “Ports have to protect against a wide range of threats that can range from ship borne to underwater based and from theft and vandalism to piracy. Not only do they have to meet security regulations such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security code (ISPS) but they will have to meet the requirements of maritime regulations such as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). In Transportation, the size of the industry leads to challenges in both the range of vulnerabilities and the volume of passengers and freight to be protected, creating a need for systems that can be scaled to meet requirements.” (Ports Maritime Transportation, n.d.,).
Because terrorist attacks and illegal activity is on the rise, port security must make sure that they are practicing risk based management. An importation part of risk base management includes being prepared for a possible terrorist attack. Measures port security professions can take to be prepared for attacks includes making sure individuals are available at all times to provide assistance if needed. It is also extremely important to keep an open line of communication to ensure everyone is following the proper procedures during emergency situations. Additionally, an important parts of risk based management includes sharing ideas and concerns to help improve port security and forecast possible threats to boarder security.
2. Discuss the Megaports Initiative.
An article related to the boarder security stated that “the Megaports Initiative works with foreign customs, port authorities, port operators, and/or other relevant entities in partner countries to systematically enhance detection capabilities for special nuclear and other radioactive materials in containerized cargo transiting the global maritime shipping network. In support of this mission, the Megaports Initiative helps partner countries equip major international seaports with radiation detection equipment and alarm communication systems” (Megaports Initiative, n.d.). The Megaport Initiative is extremely important because it prevents individuals from smuggling illegal weapons of mass destruction into the country. An additional strength of the Megaports Initiative includes giving individuals the ability to effectively collaborate with individuals from customs, and other boarders.
Our website has a team of professional writers who can help you write any of your homework. They will write your papers from scratch. We also have a team of editors just to make sure all papers are of HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE. To make an Order you only need to click Ask A Question and we will direct you to our Order Page at WriteDemy. Then fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.
About Writedemy
We are a professional paper writing website. If you have searched a question and bumped into our website just know you are in the right place to get help in your coursework. We offer HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE Papers.
How It Works
To make an Order you only need to click on “Order Now” and we will direct you to our Order Page. Fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.
Are there Discounts?
All new clients are eligible for 20% off in their first Order. Our payment method is safe and secure.