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The History International requirements for merchant mariner security training are delineated in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which primarily focuses on prevention of terrorist acts involv- ing the marine transportation system. Where anti-piracy matters are concerned, the ISPS Code addresses the threat generically, stating the requirements for training of vessel security personnel under such headings as "Recognition of characteristics and behavioral patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security," "Knowledge of current security threats and patterns," and "Techniques used to circumvent security measures." In the United States, training merchant mariners in maritime security matters is specified in the regulations contained in 33 CFR Subchap- ter H—Maritime Security, which implement the Maritime Transporta- tion Security Act (MTSA). Much of the language found in Subchapter H pertaining to training requirements is identical, or very similar, to that contained in the ISPS Code. U.S. and International Training Standards and Curricula MTSA Section 109 required the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to develop standards and curricula for maritime security personnel train- ing. This charge was delegated by the Maritime Administration to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which then developed model mari- time security courses for vessel, facility, and other personnel. The academy's work on the MTSA project led to responsibility for developing International Maritime Organization (IMO) model courses: t TIJQ TFDVSJUZ PóDFS t DPNQBOZ TFDVSJUZ PóDFS t QPSU GBDJMJUZ TFDVSJUZ PóDFS The IMO published these model courses for use by training providers, carriers, and others worldwide. In 2003, the joint MARAD/USCG MTSA Section 109 Committee was formed to develop and oversee a national course certification pro- gram. In May 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations mandat- JOH BQQSPWFE USBJOJOH GPS WFTTFM TFDVSJUZ PóDFST CBTFE PO UIF .54" model curriculum. In early 2011, at the request of the Coast Guard, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy reviewed the mandates contained in the 2010 amendments to the IMO STCW Convention and Code and revised the IMO maritime security curriculum to provide increased anti-piracy competencies for merchant vessel personnel worldwide. Of the courses involved, those that are focused on vessel personnel and that address piracy topics include: t TIJQ TFDVSJUZ PóDFS FEJUJPO t TFBGBSFST XJUI EFTJHOBUFE TFDVSJUZ EVUJFT t TFDVSJUZ BXBSFOFTT of various pirate groups, ship vulnerabilities, and available defensive measures. This course also includes practical sections on how to be a hostage or deal with a rescue team and pro- vides hands-on training in anti-piracy defen- sive tactics. The California Maritime Academy offers undergraduate courses that address piracy in the context of maritime security, maritime his- tory, and international law. Union School Courses The nation's maritime labor unions operate their own schools to provide professional mar- itime training for their members and others. Anti-piracy training at many of these institu- tions is embedded in courses that deal with YHVVHO VHFXULW\ RIÀFHU WUDLQLQJ RU PDULWLPH security awareness. Commandos aboard the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Training Vessel Kings Pointer partici- pate in an anti-piracy exercise. However, some union schools provide stand- alone anti-piracy courses. The STAR Center, for example, operated by the American Maritime 2IÀFHUV RUJDQL]DWLRQ RIIHUV D RQH GD\ DQWL piracy seminar that focuses on: ¯ current pirate activity, weaponry, and ¯ practices; U.S. Coast Guard MARSEC Directive 104-6 (concerning measures to deter, detect, or disrupt piracy); 40 Proceedings Spring 2012 www.uscg.mil/proceedings