Please respond to both students separately with a minimum of 150 words each.
Original Post
Describe the following; the SMART Port Security Act, the SAFE Port Act, and the Small Vessel Security Strategy?
Adam
The SMART Port Security Act is also known as H.R. 4251. This Act was passed because the Homeland Security Committee knows that securing our waterways is a potential vulnerability if a terrorist chooses to attack by using our ports. The bill enhances the security measures that are already in place but it adds more security postures for the overseas ports. It requires multiple agencies to collaborate between each other and share the duties of port security. Additionally, sharing duties will increase security and will not increase spending. (H.R. 4251, 2012)
The SAFE Port Act was enacted in 2006 and added new programs to create a layered security approach to our ports. The SAFE Port Act is designed focus on three main areas, such as overall port security, port facility security and container security. The overall port security will be focusing on maritime security committees, running port security exercises, and conducting evaluations of security at foreign ports. The port security aspect focuses on the physical security of a specific port. This is done by doing thorough background checks on employees and issuing biometric identification cards to workers. The container security focuses on the whole container shipping process from start to finish. The Act calls for future initiatives like the Megaports and Secure Freight Initiatives. (GAO-08-86T, 2007) The Safe Port Act of 2006 is one of the most overhauling act to secure our stateside and foreign ports.
The Small Vessel Security Strategy (SVSS) is designed to mitigate the possible security risks from individuals who are looking to attack our nation by using small vessels. These small vessels can be used as a waterborne vehicle improvised explosive device (VBIED). This type of attack has been used by terrorists prior and it is the reason that the SVSS is relevant today. The SVSS major goals are to develop relationships with small private sectors or casual boaters to enhance the awareness of potential attacks by water. Additionally, they are trying to improve detection and tracking capabilities of small vessels operation near U.S. waterways. (DHS, 2008) This strategy focuses on the trust of agencies who operate on the water and the public. There are millions of boats on the water, which makes this strategy so complicated.
James
Port Security Act was established as an enhancement to the SAFE Port Act enacted previously. As the focus of border security and protection is mainly directed towards land border locations, coastal borders also require similar attention. This act strengthens the collaborative efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the private sector in enhancing port security measures.
As described by Rep. Candace R. Miller, chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, this act will actively protect domestic ports from a distance, leverage partnerships between DHS, USCG, and CBP, and provide a means to pursue aggressive cost savings within these processes (Homeland Security Today, 2012, n.p.). One provision of the cost saving processes outlined in this act includes analyzing locations and facilities operating within a 25-mile radius that are performing similar maritime or avionic functions. The analysis would determine the feasibility of combining both facilities into one location, thus, becoming more cost effective (112thCongress, 2012, Sec. 103). In all, this act provides guidance towards enhancing efficiency and risk-based coordination for securing the maritime borders.
b) The SAFE Port Act.
The Security and Accountability For Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act) was established as a means to increase security at the nation’s maritime ports. The United States and global economy relies on unimpeded operations of the country’s maritime ports. Therefore, many stakeholders have a vested interest in the safety and security of these locations and the country’s ability to protect the ports against specific and nonspecific threats. The SAFE Port Act utilizes a layered approach with built in redundancies that enhance security provisions instated to safeguard maritime operations.
The SAFE Port Act outlines the use of advanced inspection equipment and radiation detection technology, increased authority for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and dictates specific provisions outlining port security recovery/response plans (Fox News, 2006, n.p.). In addition, completely unrelated to port security, the act also outlines provisions and oversight pertaining to unlawful internet gambling.
c) The Small Vessel Security Strategy
The maritime transportation industry is riddled with ships and vessels that are immensely large and easy to spot from miles away. However, smaller vessels such as recreational, fishing, sport, and racing boats, are often much faster and more difficult to detect. In the world of port security, these vessels can pose a significant risk to the maritime industry. In October of 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by a small vessel Water Borne Improvised Explosive Device (WBIED) and 17 sailors unfortunately perished in the event (York, 2006, n.p.). It was later discovered that the attack was carried out by Al Qaeda operatives under Bin Laden’s guidance. With this incident, small vessels were highlighted as a significant threat in the maritime environment.
The Small Vessel Security Strategy was produced to enhance overall maritime security operations. The strategy outlines a small vessel’s ability to be used as a WBIED, a smuggling vehicles for weapons and terrorists, and may be used as a standoff platform for conventional weapons (Department of Homeland Security, 2008, p.11). The strategy’s major goals include developing relationships within the small vessel community “to enhance domain awareness,” address maritime security issues with a “layered, innovative approach,” utilize technological advancements in small vessel security, and collaborate with federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector entities (Department of Homeland Security, 2008, p. 16-20). This strategic plan provides a greater security posture within the maritime security environment.