What Is Maritime Security Compliance & Enforcement?
Maritime security compliance and enforcement is the monitoring and policing of a nation's coastline and maritime regions in order to ensure that all activities taking place in a country's waters are compliant with its laws and regulations. Due to globalization, increasing trade and heightened concerns about terrorist attacks, the United States has increased its efforts to secure the nation's maritime territories.
Other People Are Reading
-
Background
-
There are various rules and regulations pertaining to maritime activities. Often maritime enforcement involves ensuring that vessels are compliant with licensing requirements and environmental standards; that a ship's cargo does not include illegal products, goods or weapons; and that its passengers pose no health or criminal risk to the receiving country.
Homeland Security
-
In response to increasing maritime activities and concerns regarding terrorism, the Department of Homeland Security overseas numerous projects and operations related to maritime security compliance and enforcement. One of these is the Marine Asset Tag Tracking System (MATTS) project, which is a global communications network that monitors containers while they're being shipped, helping to establish a chain-of-custody.
-
ISPS
-
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code is a series of rules and regulations set out by the International Maritime Organization, which established universal standards regarding maritime security and compliance. The ISPS was enacted in 2004.
-
References
- United States Coast Guard: Maritime Security Compliance Management Program
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Maritime Security Compliance and Enforcement for U.S. / Canadian Boundary and Coastal Waters
- United Nations: OECS Interventions Related to Maritime Security and Safety
- Homeland Security: Borders and Maritime Security Projects
- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines: FAQs - International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Codes
Resources
- Photo Credit view of a cargo ship image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
