Abstract
A systematic, coherent, and long-term research agenda for the enhancement of maritime security does not presently exist on either the global or the national (US) level. While significant and productive research in this area continues to be undertaken, the absence of an explicit methodology to prioritize research investment and to focus the efforts of investigators is problematic. This article briefly reviews key determinants of current maritime security research priorities; samples the views of industry, government, and academic experts on research needs; and discusses considerations in the development of a realistic agenda that would provide direction to future research efforts in the maritime security domain. The principal focus is on US policies and initiatives. The paper concludes that much work remains to be done to create a framework for maritime security research that is truly risk-based, that effectively engages stakeholders, that builds on the explicit measurement of outcomes, and that incorporates essential international cooperation.
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Notes
CAPT David L. Scott is a career US Coast Guard officer whose extensive world-wide experience includes service as Chief of the Coast Guard Port Security Directorate’s Port and Cargo Security Division and as Chief, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards, Maritime Standards Directorate, at Coast Guard Headquarters.
Dr. Stephen E. Flynn is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, former adviser on homeland security for the US Commission on National Security (Hart-Rudman Commission) a retired Coast Guard officer, a frequent media commentator who has provided Congressional testimony on 19 occasions since 9/11, and the author of multiple books and articles on catastrophic terrorism; emergency preparedness; critical infrastructure protection; trade and transportation security; and border control modernization.
Dr. Charles Massey was previously Manager of the International Borders and Maritime Security Program at Sandia National Laboratories, OSC Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Program Manager, and SNL Program Manager for the DOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Second Line of Defense and Megaports programs. He is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, held a US Coast Guard license as Chief Mate, and is a Reserve Engineering Duty Officer with the rank of Captain in the US Navy. He now serves as Director, Ports and Maritime Security for Alion Science and Technology.
Bethann Rooney is Manager, Port Security for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She is currently chair of the NY/NJ Area Maritime Security Committee, is actively involved in the legislative and regulatory processes, and frequently testifies before Congress on port and maritime security issues. She is a licensed deck officer and worked as a port captain/steamship agent in several deep-water ports prior to joining the Port Authority in 1993.
Dr. Henry S. Marcus is Professor of Marine Systems and Chairman of the Ocean Systems Management Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a transportation and logistics consultant to maritime industries and government. Professor Marcus has authored or co-authored six books and numerous articles relating to the marine field. He has served as a member of many maritime committees of the National Research Council.
Captain Paul A. Londynsky is Vice President, Safety, Quality and Environmental Affairs and Chief Security Officer for Matson Navigation Company. He is a licensed master mariner who manages security, safety, and environmental programs for all vessels, offices and terminal facilities of Matson Navigation and its subsidiaries. He is also responsible for crisis management and emergency response programs, as well as corporate security matters.
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Acknowledgments
The author wishes to thank the following persons for their expert opinions and other contributions to this article: Dr. Stephen Flynn, Captain Paul Londynsky, Dr. Henry Marcus, Dr. Charles Massey, Captain David Scott, and Ms. Bethann Rooney. The critical review and suggestions provided by Dr. Evelyn Hively and Commander Dennis Compton are also gratefully acknowledged.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the US Department of Transportation, the Maritime Administration, or the US Merchant Marine Academy.