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The Maritime Security Interagency Policy Committee Working to eliminate piracy. by MR. MICHAEL D. CALLAHAN (USCG-RET) Program Analyst 8 6 &RDVW; *XDUG 2IÀFH RI (PHUJLQJ 3ROLF\ U.S. merchant mariners operating near the coastal waters of Somalia are all at risk as long as piracy con- tinues there, and those charged with protecting them must be proactive in the efforts to eradicate it. The Bush administration formed the Maritime Secu- rity Interagency Policy Committee (MSIPC), follow- ing the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The MSIPC consists of representatives from U.S. govern- PHQW DJHQFLHV GHSDUWPHQWV DQG RIÀFHV DQG FRRUGL- nates U.S. government policy and recommendations relative to maritime security under the auspices of the National Security Staff. While not its sole focus, the Maritime Secu- rity Interagency Policy Committee and other groups have played a part in the efforts to abolish piracy. A Whole-of-Government Approach For example, the MSIPC produced the 2005 National Strategy for Maritime Security, ZKLFK LGHQWLÀHV SLUDWHV DQG FULPLQDOV DV threats to international maritime security. In June 2007, the U.S. published the "Policy for the Repression of Piracy and other Criminal Acts of Violence at Sea." And, in December 2008, the National Security Council issued the "Countering Piracy off the Horn of Africa: Partnership and Action Plan." www.uscg.mil/proceedings Additionally, the Maritime Security Working Group was formed under the Maritime Security Interagency 3ROLF\ &RPPLWWHH; DV DQ DFWLRQ RIÀFHU ZRUNLQJ JURXS that addresses MSIPC issues and recommends policy and program initiatives. The Counter Piracy Steering Group is an executive-level body co-chaired by the Departments of State and Defense, with representa- tion from the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, Transportation, and the U.S. Agency for International Development that is singularly focused on piracy. Interagency Coordination Team Coast Guard headquarters staff host a weekly piracy coordination conference call attended by representatives from: ÷ 'HSDUWPHQW RI 6WDWH ÷ 8 6 $IULFD &RPPDQG; ÷ 2IðFH RI 1DYDO ,QWHOOLJHQFH ÷ 'HSDUWPHQW RI -XVWLFH ÷ 8 6 &HQWUDO; &RPPDQG; ÷ 0LOLWDU\ 6HDOLIW &RPPDQG; ÷ 'HSDUWPHQW RI &RPPHUFH; ÷ &RDVW; *XDUG $WODQWLF $UHD ÷ -RLQW &KLHIV; RI 6WDII ÷ 2IðFH RI WKH 6HFUHWDU\ RI 'HIHQVH ÷ 'HSDUWPHQW RI 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ 0$5$' ÷ 8 6 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ &RPPDQG; ÷ 1DYDO &ULPLQDO; ,QYHVWLJDWLRQ 6HUYLFH ÷ &XVWRPV; DQG %RUGHU 3URWHFWLRQ ÷ 2YHUVHDV 6HFXULW\ $GYLVRU\ &RXQFLO; ÷ 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ 6HFXULW\ $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ ÷ %XUHDX RI $OFRKRO 7REDFFR )LUHDUPV and Explosives ÷ 8QLWHG 6WDWHV $JHQF\ IRU ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 'HYHORSPHQW Spring 2012 Proceedings 35 Prevention