Seaports pose a number of threats and vulnerabilities to the country’s security due to the large volumes of people and cargo being handled on a daily basis. With new port designs coming up in sites around the world, it is now possible to integrate port security strategies in the planning stages. About 90% of world trade is carried out through the sea (The Maritime Executive, 2015). Potential risk concerns include terrorist attacks, hazardous materials, WMDs, piracy, cargo theft, vandalism, workplace violence, stowaways among others. Security strategies that are implemented to curb threats should be done in a way that does not interfere with normal port operations.
Components of port security planning are important because maritime insecurity poses direct threats to life and property. Most roads, railways and sea links converge at ports posing countless threats and security risks. Surveillance cameras are placed at strategic points in the port to capture all activities happening around the vicinity. Optical Character Recognition systems are used to identify unauthorized persons within the port (The Maritime Executive, 2015). Space for expansion should also be considered in port security planning, because maritime is a growing component of transport. More goods will be expected to arrive once the port expands hence the need for security strategies that can adapt to the change.
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The Secure Freight Initiative addresses threats to border security and international trade, posed by the possibility that terrorists could use maritime containers to deliver weapons. SFI is significant since it requires that all containers headed for the US should be checked at foreign ports before they are dispatched (Homeland Security, 2019).The initiative provides the government with greater visibility of potentially dangerous shipments. The purpose of the initiative is to provide enhanced security where all shipments are checked for radiological or nuclear threats. SFI is also meant to enhance trade by maintaining port efficiency (Homeland Security, 2019). Lastly, SFI is expected to improve risk management by keeping port authorities alert on possible attacks.
References
Homeland Security. (2019, September 18). Secure Freight Initiative . https://www.dhs.gov/secure-freight-initiative
The Maritime Executive. (2015). Port Security Requires Early Planning. The Maritime Executive . https://www.maritime-executive.com/corporate/port-security-requires-early-planning
