State Dept Issues its Strategy Plan for Maritime Security (One of Eight Plans Supporting Maritime Security)
The State Department has released its International Outreach and Coordination Strategy (Strategy Plan), one of eight plans developed in support of the National Strategy for Maritime Security, as directed by Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) - 13.
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According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Strategy Plan was developed by the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, Transportation, Homeland Security, the U.S. Trade Representative, and other U.S. government agencies, and in consultation with appropriate private-sector entities and other organizations.
DHS states that the Strategy Plan provides a framework to coordinate all maritime security initiatives undertaken with foreign governments and international organizations, and solicits international support for enhanced maritime security.
Strategy Plan Has Two Strategic Goals
The Strategy Plan has the following two strategic goals:
- A coordinated policy for U.S. government maritime security activities with foreign governments, international and regional organizations, and the private sector
- Enhanced outreach to foreign governments, international and regional organizations, private sector partners, and the public abroad to solicit support for improved global maritime security
The State Department states that it will coordinate closely with other departments and agencies to establish an early dialogue with international partners when developing maritime security policy initiatives, and will maintain regular contact to discuss implementation and ensure effectiveness.
In addition, foreign governments and industry officials will be provided consistent, coordinated U.S. positions on programs and initiatives related to maritime security.
List of Maritime Security Program/Initiatives of U.S. Government
Appendix B to the Strategy Plan contains an overview of the current maritime security programs and initiatives of the U.S. government (or those it participates in):
| In U.S. Waters and on U.S. Shores | |
| Agency | Program/Initiative |
| CBP | National Targeting Center (NTC) |
| USCG | National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC) |
| USCG/NAVY | Sector Command Centers (Joint (SCC-J) |
| USCG/NAVY | COASTWATCH |
| USCG | Maritime Intelligence Fusion Centers |
| USCG | Operation Port Shield |
| USCG | Automatic Identification System (AIS) |
| USCG | Area Maritime Security Committees |
| USCG | Port Security Assessment Program |
| TSA | Port Security Grants |
| CBP | Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NII) |
| USCG/FBI | Operation Drydock |
| DHS | Transportation Workers Identity Credential (TWIC) |
(CBP=US Customs and Border Protection, DOE=Dept of Energy, NNSA=National Nuclear Security Administration, BIS=Bureau of Industry and Security, State=State Dept, PACCOM=Pacific Command, USCG=US Coast Guard, TSA=Transportation Security Administration, SOUTHERNCOM=U.S. Southern Command, DHS=Department of Homeland Security, FDA=Food and Drug Administration, FBI=Federal Bureau of Investigation NAVY= U.S. Navy.
Appendix B provides an overview of each of the above programs/initiatives, as well as contact information.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 11/01/05 news, 05110105, for BP summary on DHS' approval of the eight maritime security supporting plans as well as two of the eight, the Maritime Transportation System Security Plan and the Maritime Domain Awareness Plan . See ITT's Online Archives or 11/15/05 news, 05111515 for Part II of two-part series of BP summaries on a third plan, the Maritime Commerce Security Plan.)
State Dept Strategy Plan (dated November 2005, 47 pp) available at http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/HSPD_IOCPlan.pdf
State Dept Media note on Strategy Plan (dated 11/22/05) available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/57280.htm
DHS editorial on State Dept Strategy Plan available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0758.xml