Homework Responses Wk 8 & 4

Looking at the key initiatives such as SMART, SAFE Port, SVSS and others, where do you see that the vulnerabilities still exist? Provide a critical analysis in a narrative form – where are the vulnerabilities, what risk do they pose…AND who addresses them. 

 

In this week’s lesson we learned about the importance of port access controls. It’s important for port authority to know who and what comes into the property. On June 6, 2006 the house Committee of Homeland Security passed the SMART port security act. The SMART port act was created to enhance maritime security programs under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For example, it requires the DHS to update the Maritime Operations Coordination Plan to help improve interagency cooperation and also bring changes to the Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC). This will allow the TWIC program to install readers, improve efficiency for enrollees, and prevent unauthorized use. 

The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE) is a proposal that focuses to prevent potential threats from entering the United States. The SAFE port act requires all containerized cargo that is trying to enter the U.S. to be screened for radiation. This helps the U.S from any potential hazards that are trying to enter the country. “Since the SAFE Port Act, RPMs have scanned approximately 67 million containers and conveyances for the presence of radiological material” (Kerlikowske, G. R,2016). 

The Small Vessel Security Strategy was created to address the risk of small vessels being used for illegal activities. For example, small vessels might be used to smuggle terrorists or weapons of mass destruction. Their goal is to detect, and interfere illegal activities of small vessels. 

Overall, all of these acts have its purpose. In every U.S entry point smugglers/ terrorists will try to make their way into the country. However, this is where these acts come into play. These acts will allow the US Coast Guard and CBP agents to enforce the law and prevents any threats from reaching the United States.  

 

Miller, C. (2012, June 26). H.R. 4251: Securing Maritime Activities through Risk-based Targeting for Port Security Act. gop.gov. https://www.gop.gov/bill/h-r-4251-securing-maritime-activities-through-risk-based-targeting-for-port-security-act/. 

Kerlikowske, G. R. (2016, October 16). Tenth Anniversary of SAFE Port Act. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/blogs/tenth-anniversary-safe-port-act. 

U.S Customs and Border Protection. (2019, April 16). Small Vessel Security Strategy. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/publication/small-vessel-security-strategy.