New maritime initiative planned | 10.27.2005 | 12:11:29 | Views: 4520 | ID: October 27 '05: The Department of Homeland Security announced a new program in collaboration with the Departments of Defense and State called the National Strategy for Maritime Security which will help protect the nation's waterways and ports from terrorist attacks. Under the new initiative, a "full-coordinated ... effort to protect US interests in the maritime domain," will be established. The original guidelines were drawn up in a presidential security directive signed by President Bush in 2004. The maritime security plan will include: Maritime Commerce Security, Maritime Transportation Systems Security, Maritime Infrastructure Recovery, Maritime Operational Threat Response, Maritime Domain Awareness, Global Maritime Intelligence Integration, and Domestic and International Outreach, a DHS press release announced. Overall, three goals will be set for the new initiative: "preserving the freedom of the seas; facilitating and defending commerce; and facilitating the movement of desirable goods and people across our borders, while screening out dangerous people and materials." The plan has been designed to work internationally, using other nations "to enhance international cooperation while screening while maximizing domain awareness that will create necessary layers of security intended to stop terrorist and other threats against the US." US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thomas Collins said of the new initiative, "The Public and private sectors at all levels have important roles to play as we protect our interests in the maritime domain. ... These plans build on the strategy of a layered defense as the government and private-sector improve their coordination during maritime incidents." "Working together," the Admiral said, "internationally and domestically, we will increase the transparency of people, cargo, conveyances and facilities operating in the maritime domain."
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