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NEWSWIRE
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DHS looks to close gaps with SVSS |
04.22.2008
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WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today rolled out its Small Vessel Security Strategy designed to close security gaps and reduce risks associated with the potential exploitation of small maritime vessels.
“We saw quite vividly with the U.S.S. Cole attack that violent extremists will not hesitate to use any means, large or small, in their efforts to inflict blows to our maritime assets,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “This strategy ensures all small vessel stakeholders across our ports and coastal waterways can play a role in unified threat mitigation efforts and replaces today’s seemingly honor-based neighborhood watch program with an efficient and successful means to combat terrorism along our waterways.”
The SVSS is one of several core findings from 2007’s National Small Vessel Security Summit and identifies four concerns associated with the illicit use of small vessels and an overarching vision to minimize the associated risks. Specifically, it focuses on domestic use of waterborne improvised explosive devices; conveyance for smuggling weapons into the United States; conveyance for smuggling terrorists into the United States; and waterborne platform for conducting a stand-off attack, such as Man-Portable Air Defense System attacks.
Approximately 85 percent of our nation’s critical infrastructure, including ports and maritime structures, are owned and operated by the private sector, DHS said, and noted that the federal government cannot single-handedly protect and defend against all potential threats of terrorism within the small vessel community.
“A coordinated multi-layered approach, as defined by the SVSS, will ensure that the maritime domain remains a secure and safe environment where small vessel operators can safely earn a living, travel and enjoy recreational activities without unduly burdensome government regulations,” a DHS press release stated.
For a copy of the DHS Small Vessel Security Strategy Plan, the National Small Vessel Security Summit Report or additional information on small vessel security, visit www.dhs.gov.
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| SECURITY DIRECTOR NEWS INFO CENTER |
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