Homeland Security News

Waterways and ports are absolutely important to both international security and national defense, and in the wake of Mumbai terror attack and recent increased pirate activity their security has become a major concern. Seaports and waterways are vulnerable due to their large area, combination of water and land perimeter, intensive ship traffic, and close proximity to city infrastructure. Ports and waterways are loopholes for smuggling weapons, dangerous materials, drugs and illegal immigrants.

According to statistical data collected by the American Association of Port Authorities, about fifteen US seaports handle most of the country’s imports and exports, representing over $1.3 billion worth of goods moving in and out of US ports daily. The US major ports are critical for moving over 99% of the country’s international trade by volume and 61% by value. About 2 billion tons of cargo are moved annually and this volume is expected to double in the next 15 years. Worldwide, there are 3,000 ports employing millions of workers that handle 40,000 ships transporting billions of dollars of cargo every day.

Congress and the administration have been active, through legislation, presidential directives, and international agreements, in enhancing maritime security. Key agencies such as the Coast Guard, the Customs and Border Patrol, and the Transportation Security Administration have been reorganized under the Department of Homeland Security and tasked with strengthening seaport security. The Department of Homeland Defense has spent $28 billion over the 22-month period ended in August 2006 on security-related goods and services in all areas including seaport security while issuing more than 115,000 contracts.

A global recession will drastically effect maritime industry but economy slowdown will not ease any of counter-terror security issues threatening the maritime industry and the movement of cargo in international trade. Recession or not, U.S. Coast Guard crews will get the 45-foot Response Boat and the 24-foot Special Purpose Craft with enhanced capabilities for maritime security missions.