Maritime and Container Security Programs

26 May Maritime and Container Security Programs

To monitor the bourgeoning number of “illicit” actors and the container’s winding path through the maze of transport networks—both sea and air—is an enormous challenge. To make sure “illicit” actors and the container do not unite and unduly threaten the maritime and container shipping industry the U.S. has spearheaded the movement to engage state governments in new forms of strategic international cooperation. Maritime and container security programs rely on widespread collaboration and take a layered approach. This means those making a threat must successfully penetrate all the layers in order to achieve their objective. Key layers within the global maritime defense and container security strategy are such initiatives as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the U.S.-led Container Security Initiative (CSI).

The ISPS code sets forth mandatory strategic regulations that are to be observed by those governments, ports, shipping firms, and terminal operators that want to enhance the security of the world’s maritime transportation systems. Under the CSI U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents work closely together with host government customs services. They inspect high-risk containers at foreign seaports before they are loaded on board vessels destined for the U.S.