Security Challenges Facing Port Security Port Security as a Risk Management Activity Asymmetric Warfare

Title: Name: University: Date: Security challenges in a port environment Port security is the law and treaty enforcement measures taken to defend the port against terrorism activities. This is achieved by inspection of cargo moving through the ports as well as providing maritime security. The major challenges faced by ports authorities include vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks resulting from security breaches in the aspects of container shipping industry. With the increase in maritime traffic, there is concern of passenger or cargo hijackings and pirate attacks as well as accountability of shipping containers ferried worldwide. The largest area of concern in terms of security and vulnerability is the security of containers. It becomes a difficult task when securing, tracking and shipping security containers. This is because the cost of inspecting these containers is usually high coupled with the costs of shipping delays from the inspections. In addition, terrorists are likely to exploit lack of security in shipping industries. Some of the threats that they may pose include smuggling of weapons of mass destruction and transportation of terrorist operatives. Furthermore, container ships anchored at the port facilities are specifically vulnerable to hijacking and explosive devices as they are stationary targets. The crews of most cargo ships are unarmed and are likely to be defenseless under armed attacks. Some common terms in relation to port security discussion Security Survey This is the exercise of determining the security condition of securities at the ports. It may involve inspecting the evaluation of various measures that have been put in place in case of security threats, status of security equipment and maintenance records as well as pass system for individuals and vehicles and security of cargo and employees. ...