Maritime / Port Security
Our coverage of maritime security and port security includes the new TWIC program, the requirement for a background check for those seeking maritime jobs, efforts by the Coast Guard and commercial shippers to safeguard U.S. ports and the global supply chain, and the relentless quest by state and city governments to garner port security funds.
Coast Guard wants to safeguard info in new MAGNET database
May 21st, 2008
The Coast Guard is seeking exemption from the Privacy Act for information about ship positions and registries, crew backgrounds, passenger lists, known criminal vessels and suspect lists which it gathers as part of a new maritime domain awareness program called MAGNET.
DHS announces $844 million critical infrastructure grants
May 19th, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security plans to award more than $844 million in grants this year to help secure the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The awards are being made as part of the DHS Infrastructure Protection Activities (IPA) grant program.
Video surveillance in a different "City by the Bay"
May 19th, 2008
One by one, large and small cities across the United States are installing lots of video cameras to watch their citizens in public spaces, connecting those cameras to monitoring centers by fiber optic cable or wireless "mesh" networks; thereby attempting to decrease crime.
Freeport gets nation’s newest perimeter protection system
May 7th, 2008
The port of Freeport, TX, has installed the nation’s newest port perimeter security system, including port security, port safety, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), and port management systems, all integrated into a single command and control solution.
More...
National Guard may outsource its aviation surveillance duties
March 27th, 2008
The National Guard Bureau has maintained its own fixed wing aircraft to perform its required domestic homeland defense responsibilities since 1994, but it is now thinking about outsourcing many of its aviation surveillance services to a commercial company.
Coast Guard gives thumbs down to Voyage Data Recorders on U.S. ferries
March 26th, 2008
After a four-month study of 75 different ferries, the U.S. Coast Guard has recommended that Congress not require "Voyage Data Recorders" (VDRs) -- devices similar to the "black boxes" mounted on most commercial airplanes -- to be installed on U.S. ferries.
U.S. Coast Guard says Iran might introduce "instruments of terror"
March 20th, 2008
Iran has been added to the ignominious list of countries whose ports are deemed to have inadequate security measures in place, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Maritime advisory committee looking for new members
March 17th, 2008
The U.S. Coast Guard is accepting applications to fill six upcoming vacancies on the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Coast Guard Commandant and the Secretary of DHS regarding maritime strategy, potential security threats and international cooperation.
