Tamera Jenkins: LOOK WHO CAME TO VISIT!!

Tamera Jenkins: LOOK WHO CAME TO VISIT!!

The Weak Link in the Chain along the Northern Border?

Small Boats Enter U.S. From Canada Without Inspection

“Approximately 68,000 operators of small pleasure boats enter the United States from Canada each year, along the Northern border, without being inspected by U.S. authorities,” reports Government Security News. “Pleasure boats that weigh less than five tons are allowed to report their arrival telephonically, rather than appearing in person for an inspection by a Customs and Border Protection officer.”

Gloucester mayor wants review of port surveillance cameras

This may just be a good example of a lack of true collaboration among stakeholders in the initial grant planning process in this community. The amount of federal money pouring into maritime security funding, while criticized for being less than desired and necessary, has enabled many smaller port communities to upgrade their physical security resources. The concerns mentioned in this report about invasion of privacy, while certainly concerning to elements of the community, should have been vetted before the cameras were placed. In the big picture though, it is difficult to argue about cameras fixed in public areas. These have been fixtures in Europe and other locales for years. Law enforcement seems to have performed their due dilligence in applying for the funding that is surely adding value to a port facility in terms of threat mitigation.

Gloucester mayor wants review of port surveillance cameras

The Maritime Executive Magazine :: Suspect in Sexual Assualt Case Found Working On Cruise Ship

This is the second story this week I have seen where an employee of a sub-contractor has a criminal past that has gone undetected by the contracting company. The other involved a BP-contracted oil spill cleanup company supervisor accused of raping an employee. The supervisor had a related criminal history which could have uncovered his past prior to employment. The rationale is that it is the subcontractor's responsibility to screen their employees. I agree that contracts should specify which organization is responsible for conducting the criminal history check -- but isn't there a responsibility on the part of both contracting companies to spot-check their HR systems and processes to be sure the checks are being done? It would seem logical for Company Security Officers to be conducting spot-checks of sub-contractors to mitigate the risk that sexual predators are sneaking through the system, as they seem to be doing.

The Maritime Executive Magazine :: Suspect in Sexual Assualt Case Found Working On Cruise Ship

The Maritime Executive Magazine :: Introducing the Cargo Intelligence and Security Association

The Maritime Executive Magazine :: Introducing the Cargo Intelligence and Security Association

CNSNews.com - Act Now on Terror Threat to Key Oil Routes, Say Experts

It appears that there will have to be a concerted, global effort to rethink merchant marine security. It is becomming obvious to the average person in the US that large ships at sea are quite vulnerable to attack from small, maneuverable vessels. This is no news to the maritime community and defense/homeland security officials. Risk assessment, combined with renewed emphasis on equipping and training crew to use appropriate force technologies, will be key to developing mitigation strategies. It reminds me of how, as the narcotics 'wars' became more violent in South Florida in the 1980s, police agencies had to migrate from the trusty six-shooter to the autoloader pistols. The dynamic is the same: Higher risk means we need to have better firepower on the threats.

CNSNews.com - Act Now on Terror Threat to Key Oil Routes, Say Experts

Port Security Management | Security Management

Port Security Management | Security Management

Port Everglades security: Seaport administrators plan to replace BSO workers with private security - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Port Everglades security: Seaport administrators plan to replace BSO workers with private security - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

There is considerable bias towards the deployment of public law enforcement personnel vs. private security in the public ports in the United States. The pushback being felt by Port Everglades is not unique. In 2004, an effort by the Port of Miami to curtail high operating costs associated with police overtime envisioned contracting for certain security services performed by police officers (e.g., vehicle screening). The resistance to the replacement of police personnel with contract security was considerable as local, state, and federal officials with port security regulatory responsibilities aggressively challenged such efforts. The truth is, many global corporations and institutions use private security effectively to mitigate risks associated with crime, loss from theft, espionage, even terrorism. Risk assessment and security planning can be done using personnel trained and managed well, whether they work for a law enforcement agency or a private company.

Ecuador Authorities Seize Drug-smuggling Sub

This is further evidence that threats to maritime/port security are evolving in terms of technology and sophistication. In the aftermath of the 9/11 events, and the development of IMO/ISPS, as well as MTSA in the US, port security was concerned about port infiltration by underwater swimmers and surface vessels. Not 10 years later, ports now must consider that potential threats may emanate from fairly sophisticated submersibles. To meet this new threat, ports may have to consider expanding their risk assessment metrics and developing more underwater and long-range surveillance capabilities. It does speak to the need for port management to work closely with their security/law enforcement partners to take advantage of good intelligence and processes that in the long run will be cost-beneficial.

Report addresses waterfront crime - Local / Metro - TheState.com

Report addresses waterfront crime - Local / Metro - TheState.com

Port of Miami Tunnel Construction to Begin - Still Questions about its Necessity

The dialog (see linked below) about the necessity of the Port of Miami (POM) Tunnel continues to question its value to the South Florida economy. Efforts by business and political interests in Miami-Dade County to get this tunnel have been intense for two decades. Given the recent downturn in cargo handling at POM, the argument on one side is, 'What's the Point'? On the other side, perhaps if better access to POM from the highway system existed, cargo trade would increase. But at $1 billion to start, how long will it take to reap benefits?

SEE: Port of Miami tunnel is a waste of taxpayer money, by Eric Maza, Miami New Times, June 3, 2010

http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2010-06-03/news/port-of-miami-tunnel-is-a-waste-of-taxpayer-money/

The Maritime Executive Magazine :: Maritime Security Council 22ND Annual Conference

The Maritime Executive Magazine :: Maritime Security Council 22ND Annual Conference

Port Fourchon, LA: 7 Greenpeace Protesters Arrested

This report was posted May 27, 2010 on The Maritime Executive: "Greenpeace activists painted and posted anti-drilling messages in big letters on the bridge of a ship that is scheduled to depart for Alaska to support drilling operations in July. Charges were filed against the seven activists. The ship is docked in Port Fourchon, La., an area affected by the BP oil spill in the gulf, and is to sail to the Arctic this summer to support Royal Dutch Shell’s company’s exploratory drilling plans there."

The question is, how were they able to board a secure vessel in a secure port in a major petroleum distribution port with increased scrutiny and government presence given the BP oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico? Greenpeace has been known to identify and employ methods to board ships and launch protests despite vessel and port security plans. What can vessel and port security planners learn from these incursions?

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U.S. Port Security Is A Global Issue | AVIATION WEEK

U.S. Port Security Is A Global Issue | AVIATION WEEK

Bill Would Toughen Port Security

Bill Would Toughen Port Security

The Scope of the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP)

At the recent Institute for Defense and Government Advancement’s, Offshore Patrol Vessel Summit in Norfolk, VA, Canadian Forces LCdr Mark Higginson, Director, Regional Joint Operations Center Atlantic, emphasized the challenges facing maritime security practitioners in appreciating the scope of the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP). As he indicated in his briefing, Updates for the Recognized Maritime Picture (26 May, 2010), in a full analysis of the RMP, it's great to know what all the vessel traffic is coming and going into your target environment (TE), but the real value of information is in knowing "what is the threat and what is not." That requires investigation of all contacts. To appreciate the scope of this challenge, consider that on the Great Lakes alone, there are about 200,000 registered vessels over 300 GT, but perhaps 6 million smaller vessels. The ability to vet and analyze the threats posed in this complex maritime TE requires significant intelligence to provide investigative support for maritime/homeland security operatives. This necessarily suggests a need for a paradigm shift from a regulatory to a national security mindset when considering administrative and legislative initiatives which affect the maritime industry.

Port of Los Angeles: Silica Spill from Container Frightens Workers

A May 19, 2010 report by NBC, Los Angeles says 18 workers at San Pedro Berth 126 complained of respiratory problems after a white powder spilled from a cargo container. The investigation indicated the substance was Silica, a granular or beaded white material, which posed no threat.

SEE: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/15-Workers-Overcome-at-Los-Angeles-Port-by-White-Powder--94375374.html

More New Laws Help Illegal Immigrants Than Restrict Them

The Washington Post reports a study conducted by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars indicates “more laws expanding immigrants’ rights are enacted than those contracting them. . . .“The study, ‘Context Matters: Latino Immigrant Civic Engagement in Nine U.S. Cities,’ found that areas long accustomed to an influx of immigrants … tend to focus more on trying to accommodate them rather than restrict them.”

SEE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/10/AR2010051003170.html

Government and Industry Protect Cruise Ships

The Government Accountability Office reports “federal agencies, cruise ship and facility operators, and law enforcement entities have taken various actions to enhance the security of cruise ships and their facilities and implement related laws, regulations, and guidance, and additional actions are under way.” Cruise ship and facility operators have developed and implemented security plans, and the Coast Guard is “expanding a program to deter and prevent small vessel attacks, and is developing additional security measures.” However, Customs and Border Protection should consider “requiring cruise lines to provide passenger reservation data.”

SEE: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-400

British Visa Rules Discourage Foreign Pupils at Private Schools

British Visa Rules Discourage Foreign Pupils at Private Schools

A report in the London Evening Standard says “private schools have been hit by tough new visa rules brought in to prevent terrorism and stop illegal immigration. Wealthy families from China and Hong Kong, who traditionally favour sending their children to British private schools, are turning to the US instead because they find the visa application system so complicated.”

SEE: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23832549-terror-rules-frighten-away-private-school-pupils.do

IDGA Offshore Patrol Vessels Summit - May 24-26, 2010, Norfolk, VA

IDGA’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) Summit will explore the needs of the current USCG and CBP Air & Marine fleets and the upgrades necessary to support missions. I am presenting on OPV Concept Solutions for Emerging Asymmetric Threats. My perspective is about addressing in-port and local waterways threats. I am researching vessel/technology solutions that address risks to inland ports and waterways (e.g., river ports, infrastructure, barges, etc.). I will also discuss experiences negotiating and planning for marine patrol protection of port assets and integrating complementing port security solutions (e.g., radar-video surveillance, CCTV, human resources, etc.).

Islamist Web Sites - Threats to U.S. Military Vessels

According to a report in the Virginian Pilot, the Middle East Media Research Institute, which monitors Islamist Web sites, has noted recent posts discussing attacks on U.S. warships. Executive Director Steven Stalinsky says "recent posts are more significant because they come in response to an official communique from al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, the terror group linked to the attempted bombing of a commercial American jetliner on Christmas. It urged followers to kill "Crusaders" on land, in the air and at sea."

The report indicates that a December 30, 2009 posting on the forum Al-Falluja directed readers to gather intelligence on U.S. Navy targets, including: vessel's name, mission, current location, number of U.S. troops on board, . . . "their family situation, and where their family members (wife and children) live;" weapons carried, and vessel destination. The report indicates that website message "filled 50 pages and include postings with pictures of U.S. warships."

SOURCE: Wiltrout, K. (2010, Jan 8). Islamist web sites discuss attacks on U.S. warships. PilotOnline.com. http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/trend-surfaces-islamist-web-sites-soliciting-info-ships (Accessed January 17, 2010).