Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), Congress established a new port security framework-much of which was set in place by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act).This framework is implemented through various strategies and plans, and the combined efforts of several DHS components.
" Ports, waterways, and vessels handle billions of dollars in cargo annually, and an attack on our nation's maritime transportation system could have dire consequences. Ports are inherently vulnerable to terrorist attacks because of their size, general proximity to metropolitan areas, the volume of cargo being processed, and their link to the global supply chain-that is, the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers. Balancing security concerns with facilitation of the free flow of people and commerce remains an ongoing challenge for federal, state, local, and private stakeholders operating in ports. Within DHS, several components are responsible for port security activities. These activities include, among other things, promoting maritime domain awareness, conducting port facility inspections, and screening incoming vessels' cargoes for the presence of contraband such as weapons of mass destruction, illicit drugs, or explosives. This statement discusses progress and challenges in key areas of DHS port security programs. It is based on work GAO has previously conducted from September 2003 to September 2013 with selected updates conducted through May 2014. For these updates, GAO contacted DHS officials and reviewed relevant documents. "
This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. An attack on ports, waterways, and vessels could have a widespread impact on global trade and the economy. Within the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS), component agencies have responsibility for securing the maritime environment. The Coast Guard is responsible for protecting U.S. economic and security interests in any maritime region. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S., securing and facilitating trade, and cargo container security. This testimony discusses DHS and its component agencies' challenges, re: (1) strengthening risk mgmt.; (2) reducing the risk of small-vessel threats; (3) implementing foreign port assessments; and (4) enhancing supply chain security. Illus.
The U.S. has a vital national interest in maritime security. The safety & economic security of the U.S. depend in substantial part upon the secure use of the world¿s waterways & ports. In an effort to further the progress made through the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the Security & Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act) was passed & became effective in Oct. 2006. This testimony synthesizes the results of this work as it pertains to the following: overall port security; facility security at U.S. ports; the international supply chain & cargo container security; & customs revenue collection efforts. Includes recommendations. Charts & tables.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 heightened awareness about the vulnerability to terrorist attack of all modes of transportation. Port security has emerged as a significant part of the overall debate on U.S. homeland security. The U.S. maritime system consists of more than 300 sea and river ports with more than 3,700 cargo and passenger terminals. However, a large fraction of maritime cargo is concentrated at a few major ports. Most ships calling at U.S. ports are foreign owned with foreign crews. Container ships have been the focus of much of the attention on seaport security because they are particularly vulnerable to terrorist infiltration. More than 6 million marine containers enter U.S. ports each year. While the Customs Service analyses cargo information to target specific shipments for closer inspection, it physically inspects only about 2 per cent of the containers. This new book examines the security legislation, which can have significant implications for public safety, the war on terrorism, the U.S. and global economy and federal, state and local homeland security responsibilities. Contents: Introduction; Concerns for Port Security; Features of the U.S. Mariti
Because the safety and economic security of the United States depend in substantial part on the security of its 361 seaports, the United States has a vital national interest in maritime security. The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act), modified existing legislation and created and codified new programs related to maritime security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Security Agency, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have key maritime security responsibilities. This testimony synthesizes the results of GAO's completed work and preliminary observations from GAO's ongoing work related to the SAFE Port Act pertaining to (1) overall port security, (2) security at individual facilities, and (3) cargo container security. To perform this work GAO visited domestic and overseas ports; reviewed agency program documents, port security plans, and post-exercise reports; and interviewed officials from the federal, state, local, private, and international sectors.
