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Spring 2014 Proceedings
www.uscg.mil/proceedings
implemented proper security plan measures for port
entry. Additionally, the port maintains a captain of the
port-approved facility security plan. Within this perim-
eter, port facilities that transfer oil or hazardous mate-
rial in bulk to liquefed hazardous gas facilities or facili-
ties receiving foreign vessel traffc must also maintain
approved facility security plans. Engagement continues
through annual Coast Guard security inspections and
security spot checks to ensure facility security offcers
and staff receive proper training to execute the facility's
security plans.
These plans — port, vessel, and facility security plans —
inform strategic decisions regarding law enforcement
resources, creating an external perimeter critical to
detecting, deterring, and responding to a transportation
security incident. Additionally, these measures enable the
captain of the port to set an inner perimeter for port secu-
rity. Continual engagement with the area maritime security
committee and security working groups strengthens part-
nerships and focus of effort to ensure marine transportation
system safety and security in South Texas.
About the author:
LCDR Erich Stein is the Waterways Management Division chief at Sector
Corpus Christi, Texas. He has served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 15 years
and earned his M.S. in operations research from George Mason University.
He has received the Coast Guard Commendation medal, two Coast Guard
Achievement Medals, and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation.
Endnotes:
1.
Federal, state, local agencies to conduct joint terrorism prevention seminar. April 02,
2013 media advisory from Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi available at www.
uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1738363/Federal-state-local-agencies-to-conduct-
joint-terrorism-prevention-seminar.
2.
A transportation security incident results in a signifcant loss of life, environ-
mental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a
particular area.
3.
Recom talking point paper, August 6, 2013.
Security Training
In April 2013, more than 250 local, state, and federal
emergency response agency representatives in the
South Texas region held maritime awareness, secu-
rity, and terrorism training at the Richard M. Borchard
regional fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas.
Agency representatives shared their expertise, case
studies, and recommendations in a secure forum
to ensure South Texas is always ready to provide
efcient, appropriate action to a maritime incident
response.
A Coast Guard patrol boat crew conducts intercept training. U.S. Coast Guard
photo by Petty Offcer Mario Romero.
A Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group small boat crew pro-
vides security for Mexican shrimpers seeking safe refuge in the Port of
Brownsville during Hurricane Dean. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Off-
cer Andrew Kendrick.
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