HLSS505Wk7

Maritime Security Risk Assessment Model This week we will look at the current most-favored risk assessment model, the Maritime Security Risk Assessment Model (MSRAM), and discuss why it has been mentioned by Congress and the GAO as a valid means of assessing risk and as a means of reviewing how risk mitigation techniques and use of available resources lessen does or does not lessen risk. MSRAM is a risk management model that is used by the U.S. Coast Guard to examine and prevent risks and threats that heavily target American ports and waterways. This model was developed in response to the September 11th attacks and the Coast Guard used this methodology to proactively investigate lessons learned and determine how to protect all maritime operations. Experts and senior leaders within the Coast Guard quickly built this initiative which was implemented in early 2006. To date, there has been three revisions to the maritime branch's risk management model. The Coast Guard uses the basic model (Risk = threat x consequence x vulnerability) that is used throughout all agencies within DHS (University of Massachusetts, n.d.). Based on the generalized mode of analysis, each attack mode that is outlined within real world and exercise scenarios are thoroughly defined to support consequences and vulnerabilities identified. Specific targets are predicated on the following categories: location, categories, and consequences (University of Massachusetts, n.d.). After attack modes are identified and analyzed, the information is scored on an appraisal system which collects information on the criticality and measurability of injury, death, economic and environmental effects, and vulnerabilities and threats to national security (Government Accountability Office, 2011). USCG senior leader are responsible for analyzing and determine the scoring mechanisms on the appraisal system. The values within the system of based on the vulnerabilities that are identified on the following: attack achievability, owner operator, local law enforcement, and target hardness (Cutts, 2009). Known as vulnerability assessments, such identifiers are associated with targets that guide scoring methodologies for the aforementioned factors, which are analyzed by the Coast Guard. Additionally, consequence assessments are used to analyze consequences of vulnerabilities/threats (i.e. injury, death, economic and environmental effects, and vulnerabilities and threats to national security).