Reference no: EM132277972

Discussion :

Security has always been a big concern for the maritime industry and plays a huge role in commercial shipping. If you really want a career in security you came to the right place when you study Port Security. Those working in this field "have specific duties, responsibilities and authorities."

This not only a job of port authorities, but the public should also be involved. People can also report any illegal act, suspicious activities, or if they see someone breaking the Laws. "Security is no accident, it's everyone's job. If you see something, say something" While assessing the security of a vessel, Vessel Security Officer, Company Security Officer, Facility Security Officer, and Vessel and Facility personnel should be completely aware of those duties and responsibilities that come with their jobs, and be trained in specific ways to respond to security issues or incoming threats.

TheInternational Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code lists these multiple responsibilities; and basically educate the maritime port authorities how to act and how to provide port and ship security.

According to the Maritime Executive, "The ISPS code was developed to protect the international community against terrorism, and as such it has been a success." Why do we need this code?, "Contrary to previous conventions and codes, the creation of the ISPS Code was caused by a disaster that happened ashore. That tragedy was September 11 "when hijacked aircrafts flew into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, destroyed part of Pentagon and crashed on a field in Pennsylvania" (para.3).

To develop a comprehensive security assessment for a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) tanker, first of all, all personnel protecting this vessel should be highly skilled in identifying possible vulnerable areas and weak maritime security zones. Once those areas are identified and study, they can assess the overall security inside the ship and its surroundings.

By definition, "A vessel security assessment is a detailed process that identifies weaknesses in personnel protection systems, physical structures, or other areas that may lead to a security breach." Keep in mind that, if a security assessment is not done property by the officers in charge, and the process is not conducted properly, this gas tanker could be hijacked and blown up in one of the busiest seaports in the United States. The assessment must cover not only study security measurements of this tanker, but also port facilities, where these tankers are loading and unloading the gas.

Identifying workers and companies conducting this business should also be assessed since they come from all remote places, and could have different ideologies about America and the rest of the world. Personnel entering the port also must be identified and vested as airports are doing at this moment. A good way to do this is by requesting a TWIC (The transportation Worker Identification Credential) to all personnel, who need access to secure areas at the port facilities and vessels.