Highlights
– New software program analyzes sensory data for criminal, terror activity
– Coast Guard continues expansion of maritime emergency network towers
– Programs highlight increased efforts to boost maritime security
At the Sector Command Center in Miami, the Coast Guard is testing a new technology application to increase Maritime Domain Awareness. Funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and named Visualization Tools for Situational Awareness and Emergency Response or “Viz Tools,” the program is designed to rapidly identify maritime threats and provide assistance with sensory analysis. Besides Viz Tools, the Coast Guard is also enhancing its wireless command and control system, which will allow for quicker response times during emergency situations.
Both technology upgrades will be critical to meeting the growing threats faced by US maritime interests in the coming years. Such technological advances are well overdue and will greatly improve security and incident response.
Sensory Data Tools
Viz Tools sorts through gathered sensory data from approaching vessel’s identification systems and from maritime surveillance. Viz Tools then assesses the data for safety warnings or terror potential by scanning for irregularities or anomalies. Possible anomalies include changes in ownership, manifested discrepancies, or arrival information. The program then amplifies the relevant, actionable data to enable Coast Guard officers the ability to quickly prepare responses to offset an emerging terror or criminal threat.
In October 2007, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff publicized the need to enhance the nation’s security with regards to threats posed by small watercraft vessels being used as bombs. This is certainly a daunting task as more than 17 million small vessels are registered in the US. However, development and integration of technological assistance tools into the Coast Guard’s command centers should aid in securing US borders and ports against terror threats.
Further Upgrades Needed
In testimony given to the US House Committee on Homeland Security, additional security needs were articulated regarding US ports, including:
• Upgrades in technology to increase their ability to track non-cooperative vessels or those that have their Automated Identification System transponders switched off.
• Smuggling of dangerous materials is a serious threat to the homeland. In addition to radioactive cargo scanning, a system could be developed for Viz Tools program to accurately track cargo containers.
• To ensure a rapid incident response, increased coordination between the Coast Guard, local law enforcement and other high critical facilities that are not regulated by the Coast Guard is needed.
Extending Emergency Response Networks
In a separate initiative, the Coast Guard has also begun expanding the coverage of Rescue 21, its wireless command and control system that allows rescuers to quickly locate a vessel’s coordinates with radio signals from a network of inland towers. The coverage will be extended in the New York and Delaware Bay areas beginning in January 2008.
The program currently operates on 50 radio towers mostly on the Eastern US coastline and has dramatically improved interoperability between federal, state and local agencies, as well as first responders. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the system was used with portable towers and aided in rescue efforts. The full system is expected to be fully operational in 14 months on 320 towers covering 95,000 miles of coastline and waterways.
Outlook
The new Coast Guard programs will be critical to implementing effective port security and improving emergency response. While much work remains, testing the Viz Tools prototype in Miami, where 170,000 small vessels are registered, should allow the Coast Guard to fully evaluate the program’s ability to adapt as port security needs evolve. Expansion of the Coast Guard emergency response network will also enhance response capabilities and tracking during future emergency situations.