International Maritime Safety and Security Exchange
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IDEAS. INFLUENCE. IMPACT. systems and initiatives. Data warehousing is a The maritime domain has the opportunity to make promising mechanism. significant progress in maritime security if existing nascent information exchange initiatives are brought Conclusions and Next Steps together in a formal government-led International Maritime Safety and Security Exchange. The world’s transportation infrastructure is vulnerable to Admiral Henry G. Ulrich, III, USN (Ret.) INTERNATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAM terrorists as they seek to intimidate nations and citizens May 2010 through fear. Attacks like 9/11, the Madrid train attack, the London subway bombing, and the Mumbai assault send a clear signal terrorists are waging a global war. International Maritime Safety and Security Governments have reduced, and continue to reduce, International Security Program vulnerabilities in transportation systems. Aviation security The Program on International Security shapes and Exchange: A Promising Business Model for has been the most visible. influences the debate on international security by But governments and the commercial sector have been facilitating dialogue through critical analysis and Global Maritime Safety and Security noticeably less creative and aggressive with ports and policy-relevant programming on the greatest security ur ports and waterways remain woefully vulnerable inland waterways. Much can be learned from the trials and challenges facing the United States and the trans- to terrorist attacks. Nearly a decade after 9/11 progress of the aviation community, in particular: atlantic community. The Program on International Maritime Security Studies revolutionized aviation security, we are long overdue Security builds on its extensive network of experts O In 2009, the Atlantic Council initiated several efforts • the potential strength of integrated and shared to apply many of those lessons learned to maritime and practitioners in North America and Europe to aimed at understanding better the national security information – properly analyzed with sophisticated rule security. This issue brief calls for the creation of an inform policy and to introduce ideas into the public implications of global maritime security and devel- sets – to alert authorities of anomalies; and innovative, integrated International Maritime Safety and debate. The Program influences policy and shapes oping policy-relevant solutions to maritime security Security Exchange to mitigate existing vulnerabilities in • the frightening and frustrating consequences of having ideas by publishing task force reports and analytical challenges. These efforts examined the drivers of the maritime domain. available information not properly shared and vetted. issues briefs, providing a public speaking platform maritime insecurity, examined current coalition To move ahead with the IMSSE concept, it is imperative to: for leaders in international security, briefing policy- maritime security operations, shared lessons makers and national security leaders in private Context learned from maritime security actors and identified • identify a lead U.S. Government department or agency strategy sessions and hosting working groups to The United States Government experienced a remarkable challenges to and opportunities for international with the capacity to synchronize all USG maritime tackle the most complex challenges in international rebirth in aviation security after 9/11. We have become cooperation, with a special emphasis on information security activities and engage international partners; security. For more information, contact Vice President familiar with air marshals, enhanced baggage screening, sharing in operations and maritime domain • determine what information requirements are necessary and Director of the Program on International passenger information exchanges, no-fly lists, body awareness. Key events included a conference to safely allow ships and cargo to ply our inland waters Security Damon Wilson ([email protected]) or scanning and travel document standardization. As our on “Pirates, Port, and Partners” co-hosted with and enter our ports; and Assistant Director Magnus Nordenman image of aviation security matures, we have become more the U.S. Naval War College (http://www.acus.org/ ([email protected]). event/5407) and workshops with senior government • develop, asses, and validate the processes and accepting of previously objectionable government-autho- officials. One of the key findings from the conference technologies in a limited pilot demonstration. rized technological applications, routines and procedures. In fact, we are much more appreciative of the persistent was the recognition of well intentioned yet uncoordi- dimension of aviation security, especially after the nated and therefore ineffective maritime security attempted hijacking or destruction of American Airlines efforts. This issue brief is a product of the Council’s Flight 63 by the “shoe bomber” Richard Reid on December maritime security initiative. 22, 2001 or more recently Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on December 25, 2009 by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. develop procedures to prevent their occurrence in the Like 9/11, these events energized security professionals to future. Not surprisingly, aviation security increasingly relies understand the gaps, acquire more technology and on sophisticated scanning sensors at airports and a web of The Atlantic Council of the United States has as its mission the renewal of the Atlantic community for 21st century global challenges through constructive U.S.-European leadership and engagement in world affairs. Led by Senator Chuck Hagel, Chairman, and Frederick Kempe, President and CEO, the Atlantic Council embodies a network of policy, academic and Admiral Henry G. Ulrich, III, USN (Ret.) is a Board Director of the Atlantic Council and former Commander, business leaders who foster transatlantic ties through non-partisan and cross-national discussions and studies. U.S. Naval Forces Europe. 1101 15th Street NW • 11th Floor • Washington, DC 20005 • (202) 778-4968 • www.acus.org The International Security Program is grateful to Atlantic Council Senior Fellow Commander Philip Walker, USN, for his contribution to this issue brief and for his support of the Council’s maritime security programming. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Atlantic Council. 4 Atlantic Council international databases to validate cargo (mostly people) A Model for an International An alternative to the present reality is to institute an Challenges and before loading. Information Maritime Safety and International Maritime Safety and Security Exchange Suggested Strategies Security Exchange (IMSSE) (IMSSE). Exchange business models (EBM) are standard But is it enough? Have we completely eliminated, or at least Launching the IMSSE will require change in the status quo. in the financial, health, industrial and government sectors. sufficiently mitigated, aviation vulnerabilities? How will As trade in the 21st century continues to be shaped by The IMSSE should leverage ad hoc, informal and tempo- Essentially, EBMs connect providers and consumers future terrorists view their chances of penetrating aviation globalization, the maritime domain will become increasingly rary partnerships to overcome any disruptive perceptions. through the exchange of some product or commodity. In security? If they are deterred, might they turn to a less vulnerable to a wide range of nefarious activities each of The IMSSE must be able to build on these efforts, adapt this example, the commodity is information needed for understood and defended domain — our maritime which can have cascading and harmful effects far from best practices and work towards a business model that security and profitable commerce. This proposal brings industry and waterways? their sources. Such activities are inconsistent with U.S. satisfies both commercial and governmental needs. together members of the IMSSE for the willing exchange of national security interests and the broader objectives of Specifically, the IMSSE will need to: The Detroit incident highlighted two key points: first, the peace, prosperity, stability and security. Global maritime maritime information in support of their own safety, security advantage of integrated, shared and properly analyzed • Align Incentives and Expectations: To attract and security as it exists today lacks structure, governance, and commercial needs. The IMSSE should take on a information with sophisticated automated rule sets to alert retain participants, the IMSSE needs to align the resources, common information exchange protocols revolving door approach that allows members to consume authorities of anomalies; and, second, the consequences incentives of the exchange to participants’ self interests. and standardized rule sets. As in aviation security, and/or provide maritime information. Structured in this way, of having the information available, but not properly shared Governments will expect the information to be the vital proactive maritime security professionals must be able to an IMSSE will permit consumers and providers to realize and vetted. This issue brief addresses how sensor informa- link for actionable and preventive assurances to confi- detect an anomaly – then deliberately intervene. the symbiotic relationship on which long-term global tion and other data might be collected, shared, analyzed maritime commerce and security depends, in spite of dently ensure ships and cargo on inland