Written by Dr. Robyn A. Kapperman, Office of Port and Facility Compliance, Domestic Ports Division
The Office of Port and Facility Compliance is pleased to announce the publication of a consolidated report on the status and work completed in 2018 by Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs).
AMSCs bring together security and industry experts in order to initiate efforts that support a secure and collaborative maritime domain. The 43 AMSCs submit an annual report to the Office of Port and Facility Compliance (CG-FAC) detailing their activities and common issues relating to challenges, suggestions, accomplishments and best practices. The consolidated report, for example, assists CG-FAC and other program offices to formulate national strategies to address mutual problems and emerging threats.
Some of the highlights in the newly released report include:
• In 2018, AMSCs and their respective subcommittees collectively facilitated 1,335 events. This total included 895 administrative AMSC meetings (e.g., Executive Steering Committees and General AMSC meetings) and 440 training specific events (includes 144 Joint Agency training meetings, 118 maritime security training operations, 100 training exercises, 73 Incident Command System training sessions and 15 MTS Recovery Unit training sessions). These coordinated opportunities resulted in effective, real world security prevention, response, and recovery efforts.
• Active Shooter/Active Threat (AS/AT). AMSCs are addressing AS/AT concerns through subcommittees, training, drills and exercises and by addressing preparedness, mitigation strategies and responses to an active shooter incident in the maritime domain through developing Concept of Operation Annexes and other response plans.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Unauthorized UAS use over the air space of Maritime Transportation Security Act-regulated facilities, commercial vessels, and other critical infrastructure continues to be reported. A number of AMSC initiatives include educating members on the current federal and state regulations governing UAS use and what action is authorized.
The consolidated report confirms that collaboration, planning, coordination, open lines of communication and unity of efforts with each AMSC are essential partnerships in addressing new issues and emerging threats that could impact our national security and economic interests.
For additional information on the AMSCs, contact Dr. Robyn Kapperman at Robyn.A.Kapperman@uscg.mil.
This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.
