MARITIME SECURITY
Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System
By Anthony M. Davis
Understanding the maritime threat requires an historical review of criminal and terrorist elements. A closer look at the methodologies of terrorism gives greater insight to the maritime condition as it stands today. Some threats have remained for years, others are practiced daily in far away places; distant from the comfort we call our homeland. "Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System" will not pretend to provide answers to all of the threats we face - only provide greater magnification for understanding. Prevention comes by recognizing the possibilities and then developing sufficient contingency plans. Circumstances currently exist allowing the possibility of terrorist actions within our borders. Far too often, we allow these opportunities by living in denial, or, by yielding too much latitude to groups opposed to responsible societal control. This book is written with the first responder in mind. If a maritime-related casualty occurs, the local police, fire and emergency management personnel will be tasked to the scene. This was proven true during the Minnesota Bridge collapse and will be replicated in the future. Because of training and funding shortfalls, the same professionals that we rely upon have little understanding of the
maritime realm and the ramifications of addressing such a scene. Additionally, this book was written for the maritime professional with many years of service. There is such a thing as being too close to the subject to see the environment. "Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System" presents a fresh look to help planners, operators and security managers as they consider contingencies. When discussing maritime security, it is important to look far beyond maritime shipping. As a natural response, we think of ships and coastlines. The immense bodies of water surrounding our nation become mental barriers protecting us from foreign attack. The U.S. has over 95,000 miles of coastline and 361 official maritime ports of call. Our maritime interests include nearly 3.5 million square miles of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The land bor-
ders of Canada and Mexico additionally play a vital role in the Maritime Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n System. We will look at the significance of these borders in respect to maritime security in the pages ahead. The maritime industry is an intermodal transportation component vital to maintaining the economic welfare of the nation. The Maritime Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n System includes over 25,000 miles of navigable waterways including the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and over 3,700 marine terminals. Through 1,400 intermodal connections, the Maritime Transportation System links with over 174,000 miles of rail connecting 48 states, Canada and Mexico. Our transportation system encompasses over 45,000 miles of interstate highways, supported by 115,000 miles of other roadways and 2.4 million miles of pipeline. Hundreds of maritime ports
and the protection of federal navigational systems including locks and dams are part of the vital arteries making up the Maritime Transportation System. Given the view of the Marine Transportation System noted above, the immense quantity of targets and locations exponentially multiply the potential for criminal or terrorist exploitation. As the broadened view of the Maritime Transportation System is covered, it may appear that the maritime focus is lost. These subtle shifts are intentional as it is important to show perspectives of criminals and terrorists, and show the potential vulnerabilities we face. I expect that there will be those that disagree with some of my perspectives. Many academicians provide valuable insight to how particular terrorist groups operate and I respect that. This book comes from my experience, as a maritime investigator, and a prior maritime intelligence officer. The academic perspective provides a valuable baseline. My viewpoint from being on scene augments the maritime issue for better understanding. With that, it is important to note that having been within the intelligence realm, this book contains no classified information. All sources used comes from open source reporting and a variety of government sponsored reports.
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