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Since the attacks of 9/11, strategists, academics and pundits alike have debated many aspects of maritime security, including the fundamental question of "assess- ments." Key questions (such as "How do you truly assess a port and its vulnerabilities?", or "How can risk and vul- nerability be used when looking at critical infrastruc- ture?") are routinely posed. The Coast Guard, along with state and local authorities, has taken an active role in addressing the question of assessment within the maritime transportation system and the many factors involved in this critical issue. As one of its initial actions, the U. S. Coast Guard cre- ated the Port Security Directorate to manage a program to enhance security in our nation's seaports. A crucial part of this organization is the Port Security Assessment Team at Coast Guard Headquarters, which has the responsibil- ity of maintaining an understanding of port vulnerabili- ties and potential consequences of maritime-related ter- rorist acts. Additionally, they implement tools to help ports reduce the risk of terrorism. The directorate immediately made an impact by con- ducting Port Security Assessments (PSAs) in the nation's militarily and economically strategic ports; chartering studies of the consequences of terrorist acts on specific types of vessels and infrastructure; managing a risk-based tool to help ports identify and reduce their risk of terror- ism; and assisting the Department of Homeland Security in administering grants to improve port security. Speaking before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, then-Coast Guard Chief of Port Security, Rear Admiral Larry Hereth (who is now the Fifth Coast Guard District Commander), discussed the importance of the PSAs, stating that the "assessments will augment those port security risk assessments conducted at the local port and facility level and will continue to enhance the level of preparedness outlined in our Area Maritime Security Plans." The link made by the Admiral between the PSAs and the Area Maritime Security Plans, which are a key part of 34 MTR September 2005 Assessing the Risk in U.S. Ports By LCDR Bess Griffith, LCDR Brady Downs, Mr. Bob Reimann, Chris Doane and Joe DiRenzo III MTR#2 (33-48).qxd 8/30/2005 5:22 PM Page 34
