AST Digital Magazine June 2017 Digital-June | Page 58

Volume 13
Despite the minimal occurrences of violence on
our waters, it would not be wise to become com-
placent.
The world’s seas and associated critical infra-
structure continue to be prime targets for those
trying to hurt us, our way of life, and our means
of transporting goods.
June 2017 Edition
Of greater concern, much of the technology pur-
chased with previous years’ Port Security Grant
Program funding is approaching the end of their
life cycles with less funding to repair or replace.
Essentially, the state of current maritime secu-
rity is that of complacency. Indeed, the maritime
community enjoys relatively low probability of
terrorism, piracy, and armed robbery.
However, if we are unwilling to invest resources
in maritime security, the community will become
no safer and prepared for terrorism than aircraft
on September 10, 2001.
About the Author
(Learn More, courtesy of Gif Fun and YouTube)
Perhaps the biggest indicator of complacency
can be measured in dollars and cents.
One example is the Port Security Grant Program
which is distributed by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency of the US Department of
Homeland Security.
The program, designed to build and sustain the
security and resiliency of U.S. ports, can be used
for a variety of purposes including training, tech-
nologies (sensors such as radars and cameras),
and tools such as response vessels.
The 2008 grant amount was over $388 million,
and this year will be expected to be $100 million.
The President’s proposed 2018 budget calls for
the new funding level to be under $48 million, a
fifty-two percent reduction.
Not only is the size of the financial pot shrinking,
but smaller ports and agencies must now com-
pete directly against larger counterparts unlike
years past.
William Lusk has extensive experience in mari-
time security research, analysis, and exercise
development.
He is a regular contributor for Caribbean Mari-
time magazine and currently sits on the Carib-
bean Shipping Association’s Security Advisory
Council.
He successfully completed a MARAD certified
Facility Security Officer course in 2013. He re-
ceived a Master’s Degree in Political Science
from the University of Central Florida, with re-
search emphasis on counterterrorism and mari-
time piracy.
58