Essay On Containerized Shipping

Throughout the many different types of establishments that currently exist today, there are risk assessments methodologies which are used to estimate or determine risk. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Risk Lexicon (2010), risk assessment methodologies are defined as, “set of methods, principles, or rules used to identify and assess risk and to form priorities, develop courses of action, and inform decision-making” (p.25). Whether it is a risk assessment tailored for the government or private companies, the methods and principles are similar in a sense that they all aim at evaluating risk. Once risk can be determined, they can then decipher what types of strategies and decisions that should be used. Of the many risk assessments out there three distinct models who stood out were the Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model (MSRAM), The CARVER model, and lastly the Transportation Sector Security Risk Assessment (TSSRA). This paper will discuss the three risk assessment methodology’s origin, the intended audience, as well as some main elements and attributes. Afterward, the paper will conclude with my personal opinion to its strengths and weaknesses. But first, background on the selected risk analysis models in its designated order is needed starting with MSRAM.

An obstacle that arises in securing ships and ports is that of travelling to foreign ports. Security professionals are are encouraging the United States government to extend U.S. boundaries to foreign ports, which would put much emphasis on security at loading points (70). The fear is that attackers will board a ship at a foreign port and sail to American soil where they could practice terrorism. A way that shipping security has changed is that of the plan of the Container Security Initiative (CSI), which calls for international security criteria to identify high-risk cargo containers for pre-screening at their point of shipment (70). The Coast Guard has also increased patrols in the U.S. ports and waterways, specifically around the nation’s critical petro-chemical facilities (71). By 2004, The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code took effect requiring ship operators to develop security plans, appoint ship and company security officers and maintain a minimum level of on board security, while port officers are required to develop similar plans and hire a port facility security officer (71). This code made it mandatory for all ships to be secure both while still in ports and also while travelling. Not only does this protect passengers aboard the ship, but also citizens of the United States as threats cannot enter the country through shipping

The recommendations include risk assessments to ensure that efforts are carried out to improve security and security data management to ensure that data is properly handled and disseminated to appropriate agencies and stakeholders. MTS must ensure that all U.S. personnel in domestic and international ports are appropriately trained for their job function. Along with all personnel working at ports, related infrastructure sectors, on vessels, or operating vessels must have proper identification. DHS further recommends developing more advanced security technology to enhance and identify gaps in security. It is also suggested that MTS examine industry, national and international transportation safety frameworks to determine if enhancements would improve MTS security. Furthermore MTS should create and manage a collaborative system of stakeholders to maintain security as well as make efforts to lessen security vulnerabilities. Finally, MTS must constantly amend and improve the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the International Ship and Port Facility

Transportation security today has evolved into a proactive process rather than a reactive response to threats, or failed attempts involving skyjacking. “The only recorded

The first major threat of cargo supply chain is terrorist. It is clear that terrorists can see the potential of using the maritime trading system to conceal weapons or agents for attack purposes or to provide funding or support for their operations. Unknown risk results from the virtually limitless range of targets and tactics available to terrorists.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) currently has a limited ability to persistently monitor, detect, and track, non-emitting vessels that operate in Customs Waters, which spans from the shore line out to 12 nautical miles. The volume of non-emitting vessels without metadata is due in part by the lack of regulatory policy mandating vessels broadcast their identification and location which would assist with Maritime Domain Awareness. This limited ability situates DHS in need to mature the Maritime Domain Awareness Network and optimize the existing infrastructure and allows for flexibility to expand and evolve as the threat changes.

The Unites States has made some changes to the way we handle Security with respect to the effects of 9/11. We began to be much more vigilant looking at every aspect of transportation from enhancing our airline security, railroad to include maritime operations. One particular area of focus is our ports and how we support our trade and make it safer against the threat of another terrorist attack. The ports are extremely vital to the U.S. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 14 percent of U.S. counties that are adjacent to the coast produce 45 percent of the nation's gross domestic product

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was establish in response of 9/11 terrorist attack in the U.S. Also since this attack the U.S. has established a countermeasure security strategy to prevent a future attack with the transportation system. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are responsible for protecting the nation’s transportation networks from attack, safeguarding airports and airplanes, mass transit system, highways, seaports, railroads and buses. This paper will in-depth discuss the history of the TSA and what it does, how TSA improve aviation security, and the cargo screening process.

As a one of the world’s top maritime power, United States declared it’s “National Military Strategy”. Two essential principles of NMS is forward presence and crisis response. Based on the NMS, Navy and Marine Corps

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has been protecting the national sovereignty of the United States for 211 years. Even though the events of September 11, 2001 happened the USCG has not let up their vigilance and heightened state of alert to more than 361 ports and 95,000 miles of shoreline. This happens to be the largest border for the United States. As part of Operation Noble Eagle the USCG plays an important role with upholding operations of ports and waterways. They ensure a safe atmosphere for the American people and mariners to conduct business and living freely across the waterways. The USCG roles and responsibilities for securing the waterways includes protection of ports, flow of commerce, and marine transportation system from

The Airspace of the United States remains protected because of an enhanced and a world-class security infrastructure. However, the ports of the country are not as protected. Consequently, the federal government should incorporate a private-public partnership to aid in strengthening our port infrastructure. The government has a duty to preserve and provide the necessary funds for security equipment improvement in the coastal zone. The governing bodies should secure the maritime borders and lands of the United States (Nelson, Fitch & Hersh, 2013).

waterways, making sure traffic flows in a safe and efficient manner.6)Living Marine Resources - Enforces domestic fishing laws through patrols and inspections.7)Ice Operations - Helps transport goods and personnel in connection with scientific and national security efforts in polar regions. Also breaks through ice with specialized ships and keeps track of icebergs to help direct commercial vessels.8) Marine Safety - Sets safety standards and inspects commercial vessels to ensure those standards are being maintained. 9)Marine Environmental Protection - Prevents and responds to oil and chemical spills, stops illegal dumping in U.S. waters and works prevent an invasive plant and animal species.10)Illegal Drug Interdiction - Uses sea vessels and aircraft to intercept illegal drug shipments and collect intelligence.11)Fish Stock Protection - Ensures foreigners don’t raid U.S. fish stocks.

The United States Coast Guard has eleven duties that they are responsible for, “By law, the Coast Guard has 11 missions: Port, Waterways, and Coastal Security, Drug interdiction, Aids to navigation, Search and rescue, Living marine resources, Marine safety, Defense readiness, Migrant interdiction, Marine environmental protection, Ice operations, and Other law enforcement” (Missions). For the purposes of this paper, I will limit the explanations to two duties that involve aspects of maritime security; the two duties are ports, waterways, and coastal security and drug interdiction.

The responsibility for port and harbor security in the United States is handled by the US Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard. These departments are part of the Department of Homeland Security. Port and Harbor Security is important because of vulnerabilities in various industries such as container shipping which are vulnerable to terrorist attack. US ports are considered to be a desirable target for attack because US ports handle 20 percent of Maritime trade worldwide. The maritime system in the United States entails sea and river ports that are more than 300 which consist of more than 3,700 passengers and cargo terminals. Any form of attack on the maritime system could potentially lead to loss of billions and bring about an adverse effect on the global economy. It is due to this case that technology has been used to improve security in US ports and harbors. This paper will focus on what forms of technology have been implemented and what functions do they serve in reducing vulnerabilities in the US maritime system.

Shipping a package/parcel to anybody around the world today seems easy and convenient; the thought of what the carrier goes through does not cross anybody’s mind. The airline industry in cargo transport evolved from when the cargo industry began. When comparing all airliners in cargo transport, all the basics for carrying cargo seems to be the same. First aircraft and crew safety must be adhered to and proper weigh and balance must be accomplished. Inspection of the cargo is critical! Proper weight, hazardous material, and dimensions must be physically checked. Finally, all paperwork must be compiled…but, how did all this came to be? When all this started back in 1918 and Air Mail service begun, I bet nobody checked all these precautions we do today. Possibly loaded the aircraft with as much bags of mail in the cargo hold as the aircraft could hold and attempt a takeoff. After having much success the U.S. post office took over all responsibilities for the War Department, and so we begin. (Vassilopanagos, A. 2015)