Gabriel Harrell Explain the specific security challenges in the Port Maritime Environment, Risk-based Management, Megaports Initiative, and the Secure Freight Initiative.             There are a significant number of parts that make up Port Operations and even more security challenges that these different parts have to try and overcome. The greatest security challenge that is faced by every port is from terrorism. This is the case for the port maritime environment due to there being so many security infrastructure points that can target to include airports, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, inland rivers, industrial parks, world trade centers, shipyards, marinas, and other public port facilities (Christopher, 2014). These different infrastructure points are essential to the continued operations of the entire port maritime environment.             The concern for the security of ports against terrorism is that the same threats that face vulnerable land targets can strike the different infrastructure points that make up the port maritime environment. Just a few of these threats from terrorism on ports would include active shooters, the use of small vessels that are explosive-laden known as Water Borne Improvised Explosive Device, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and an attack that utilizes an aircraft or other vessel similar to the 9/11 attacks (DHS, 2015). This is where Risk Management comes into the picture for each individual port and the different infrastructure points at each individual port.             To utilize Risk Based Management is a daunting task that is an ever changing due to the different threats that arise such as the threat on the cyber security infrastructure of ports. Risk Based Management starts with the port security understanding the risks to port infrastructure that has to be identified, assessed, and managed (Christopher, 2014). Being able to determine these risk and threats and to have planning in place to mitigate their effects is essential in the continued uninterrupted operations of ports. One concept that is utilized to determine risk and to mitigate them is the Megaports Initiative.             One of the most effective security measures against terrorism is having partnerships and active communication between different agencies. The Megaports Initiative is a partnership that is between foreign customs and other law enforcement agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, and other relevant entities in partner countries that help to enhance detection capabilities for special nuclear and radioactive materials that are in cargo containers and traveling in the global maritime shipping network (NNSA, 2010). The initiative also is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of State to counter nuclear and radiological threats to the United States and its international partners by installing radiation portal monitors (RPMs) to be able to scan containers that are high-risk that a ...

1. Gabriel Harrell
Explain the specific security challenges in the Port Maritime
Environment, Risk-based Management, Megaports Initiative,
and the Secure Freight Initiative.
There are a significant number of parts that make up
Port Operations and even more security challenges that these
different parts have to try and overcome. The greatest security
challenge that is faced by every port is from terrorism. This is
the case for the port maritime environment due to there being so
many security infrastructure points that can target to include
airports, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, inland rivers, industrial
parks, world trade centers, shipyards, marinas, and other public
port facilities (Christopher, 2014). These different
infrastructure points are essential to the continued operations of
the entire port maritime environment.
The concern for the security of ports against terrorism
is that the same threats that face vulnerable land targets can
strike the different infrastructure points that make up the port
maritime environment. Just a few of these threats from
terrorism on ports would include active shooters, the use of
small vessels that are explosive-laden known as Water Borne
Improvised Explosive Device, Weapons of Mass Destruction,
and an attack that utilizes an aircraft or other vessel similar to
the 9/11 attacks (DHS, 2015). This is where Risk Management
comes into the picture for each individual port and the different
infrastructure points at each individual port.
To utilize Risk Based Management is a daunting task
that is an ever changing due to the different threats that arise
such as the threat on the cyber security infrastructure of ports.
Risk Based Management starts with the port security
understanding the risks to port infrastructure that has to be
identified, assessed, and managed (Christopher, 2014). Being
able to determine these risk and threats and to have planning in
place to mitigate their effects is essential in the continued

2. uninterrupted operations of ports. One concept that is utilized to
determine risk and to mitigate them is the Megaports Initiative.
One of the most effective security measures against
terrorism is having partnerships and active communication
between different agencies. The Megaports Initiative is a
partnership that is between foreign customs and other law
enforcement agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, and
other relevant entities in partner countries that help to enhance
detection capabilities for special nuclear and radioactive
materials that are in cargo containers and traveling in the global
maritime shipping network (NNSA, 2010). The initiative also is
a partnership between the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, and the U.S. Department of State to counter nuclear
and radiological threats to the United States and its
international partners by installing radiation portal monitors
(RPMs) to be able to scan containers that are high-risk that are
entering the United States (NNSA, 2010).
Another concept that is utilized to help with risk
management is the Safe Freight Initiative (SFI). The SFI is
utilized with the Megaports Initiative to help with the detection
of materials that could be hazardous and lead to security risk for
ports. This program is part of a layered security strategy that is
currently being used around the globe and will one day be used
to do a hundred percent check on all shipping containers
traveling to the United States (GAO, 2010). The program has
currently been difficult to continue due to countries such as
Singapore backing out of the Safe Freight Initiative (GAO,
2010). The security concepts of the ports and waterways of the
United States are continuously changing and will continue to
have steps forward and backwards.
Gabriel Harrell
References
Christopher, K. (2014). Port Security Management, Second
Edition. Retrieved
from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/lib/ap
us/reader.action?docID=1578619&ppg=71

3. DHS (2015). Small Vessel Security. https://www.dhs.gov.small-
vessel-security
Government Accountability Office. (2010, July 21). GAO-10-
940T: DHS Progress and Challenges in Key Areas of Port
Security. Statement of Stephen L. Caldwell, Director Homeland
Security and Justice Issues.
National Nuclear Security Administration. (2010). Office of the
Second Line of Defense Megaports Initiative. Retrieved
from https://nnsa.energy.gov/sites/default/files/nnsa/inlinefiles/
singlepages_9-15-2010.pdf
Dallas Shotwell
An article related to the material stated that “Ports have to
protect against a wide range of threats that can range from ship
borne to underwater based and from theft and vandalism to
piracy. Not only do they have to meet security regulations such
as the International Ship and Port Facility Security code (ISPS)
but they will have to meet the requirements of maritime
regulations such as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). In
Transportation, the size of the industry leads to challenges in
both the range of vulnerabilities and the volume of passengers
and freight to be protected, creating a need for systems that can
be scaled to meet requirements.” (Ports Maritime
Transportation, n.d.,).
Because terrorist attacks and illegal activity is on the rise, port
security must make sure that they are practicing risk based
management. An importation part of risk base management
includes being prepared for a possible terrorist attack. Measures
port security professions can take to be prepared for attacks
includes making sure individuals are available at all times to
provide assistance if needed. It is also extremely important to
keep an open line of communication to ensure everyone is
following the proper procedures during emergency situations.
Additionally, an important parts of risk based management
includes sharing ideas and concerns to help improve port
security and forecast possible threats to boarder security.
2. Discuss the Megaports Initiative.

4. An article related to the boarder security stated that “the
Megaports Initiative works with foreign customs, port
authorities, port operators, and/or other relevant entities in
partner countries to systematically enhance detection
capabilities for special nuclear and other radioactive materials
in containerized cargo transiting the global maritime shipping
network. In support of this mission, the Megaports Initiative
helps partner countries equip major international seaports with
radiation detection equipment and alarm communication
systems” (Megaports Initiative, n.d.). The Megaport Initiative is
extremely important because it prevents individuals from
smuggling illegal weapons of mass destruction into the country.
An additional strength of the Megaports Initiative includes
giving individuals the ability to effectively collaborate with
individuals from customs, and other boarders.
References
Ports Maritime Transportation. Retrieved
from https://www.tycosecurityproducts.com/portshome.aspx
Megaports Initiative. Retrieved
from https://nnsa.energy.gov/aboutus/ourprograms/nonproliferat
ion/programoffices/internationalmaterialprotectionandcooperati
on/-5
Laura Sackett
The whole community concept is pretty simple to grasp. In my
own words its all about information, making sure the
community has all the information is key. With the correct
information it can then be applied to help protect and prepare
others. "Individual and community preparedness is fundamental
to our National success. Providing individuals and communities

5. with information and resources will facilitate actions to adapt to
and withstand an emergency or disaster." (DHS, 2015, pg.2)
The key information is broken up into core capabilities:
prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. The
areas that need these capabilities are looked at and plans are
made accordingly. These areas are primarily the communities
infrastructure, plans need to be made to continue operations.
Looking at how the community will communicate, have
emergency services ready to go for health and protection,
transportation, and access to supplies and resources. "The
information gathered during a risk assessment also enables a
prioritization of preparedness efforts and an ability to identify
our capability requirements across the whole community."
(DHS, 2015, pg.4)
An example of how a local level government uses the concept of
a whole community is how my community works when the risk
of a hurricane is present. There are many plans that are put into
place, if an evacuation happens certain people stay and others
go. Most of the military in this area stay, as well as the local
law enforcement and emergency services. They work together to
secure the area because of the threats of high winds and
flooding. They prioritize what needs to be protected first, the
military must make sure operations on base are stable before
helping the local community. Once this occurs they help
mitigate further risks that arise with high wind speeds and
flooding. Sandbags are placed to help prevent flooding, many
people are on call or standing by to prevent long blackouts, and
many will stay at a near by hospital if they are part of an
emergency service team. There are also shelters set up for those
who are caught in a bad situation and were not able to evacuate.
Having the whole community informed and a part of the
planning process really does help to prevent, protect, mitigate,
respond, and recover. When different elements of the
community work individually it can become more disastrous
because they are only aware of their current situation and they
aren't able to help others as quickly or receive help either. If

6. our community didn't work together before, during, and after a
hurricane then we wouldn't all be prepared, protecting and
helping others wouldn't be done in a timely manner which
would lead to more emergencies, longer blackouts, and the
return to normal operations and clean up would be further
dragged out.
References-
Department of Homeland Security. (2015). National
preparedness goal. Washington D.C.: Government Printing
Office.
Jesse West
Good evening everyone,
Week two has been interesting and informative regarding the
whole community concept at the local level in the efforts to
mitigate risk from a variety of sources, both natural and man-
made. Through numerous efforts and directives set forth by the
United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), five
key mission areas are broadcasted with the utmost importance.
They are; prevention, protection, mitigation, response and
recovery and in concurrence with those five areas, three core
capabilities span the spectrum in the context of planning, public
information and warnings and finally, operational coordination.
As an overview and general guideline, the National
Preparedness System has become the pinnacle in which all
echelons of government from the local township to the Federal
government reference in regards to all facets of homeland
security risks, threat, and consequences.
In the framework of the whole community, a baseline
understanding is needed in order to convey the importance
concerning mitigation activities and efforts. According to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “Whole
Community is a means by which residents, emergency
management practitioners, organizational and community
leaders, and government officials can collectively understand
and assess the needs of their respective communities and
determine the best ways to organize and strengthen their assets,

7. capacities, and interests” (FEMA, 2011, p. 7). Additionally, a
whole community approach specifically identifies the
collaborative partnership between all facets of private and
nonprofit entities to participate in some capacity with the
ongoing efforts of local, tribal, state, territorial and Federal
government partnerships.
Further adding to the whole community domain, a set of whole
community principles and strategic themes are established in
order to improve and set the standard for sustained stability,
security, and resiliency, nationwide. The whole community
principals include; “understanding and meeting the actual needs
of the whole community, engaging and empowering all parts of
the community and also strengthening what works in
communities on a daily basis” (FEMA, 2011, p. 8-9).
Not until the “whole community strategic” themes are explained
can the concept of local government mitigation techniques be
thoroughly understood. These themes build the foundation of
what develops local and communal cohesiveness for the benefit
of all involved. The concept of whole community is used at the
local level of government to mitigate against risk through the
implementation of the following themes; “understanding
community complexity, recognizing community capabilities and
needs, fostering relationships with community leaders, building
and maintaining partnerships , empowering local action and
finally, leveraging and strengthen social infrastructure,
networks and assets” (FEMA, 2011, p. 9)
It can be commonly thought that the large centralized
government is the final word and all-knowing entity of
protecting all facets of Homeland Security, but in reality, it
starts with efforts and collaboration at the local level within
communities across and throughout the country.
- Jesse
References:
FEMA. (2011). A whole community approach to emergency
management: Principles, themes, and pathways for
action. Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office.