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.
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.
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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.
Terror response: RAND study evaluates "novel" threats
March 14th, 2008
If a terrorist group has the potential to commit a specific type of attack – but has not proven it can do so – does that justify major changes in homeland security spending? Not necessarily, according to a new RAND Corp. study.
DNDO to test portable maritime radiation detection devices
March 12th, 2008
The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office within DHS is planning a major test program for portable gamma-ray and neutron detection systems which can be mounted on small boats at the Savannah River National Laboratory test site in Aiken, SC, this May.
Coast Guard prohibits nearby vessels during papal Mass in DC
March 11th, 2008
Hoping to avoid the "catastrophic impact" that a terrorist attack could have on the papal Mass scheduled by Pope Benedict XVI at the Nationals Park baseball stadium in Southeast Washington, DC, on April 17, the U.S. Coast Guard plans to prohibit all vessels from the adjacent Anacostia River during a six-hour period that day.
