MarPortSecurity LLC

Security Planning

Why Planning Is Important

The adequacy of security for nationwide critical infrastructure was keenly focused as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, Washington, DC, and in the skies over Pennsylvania. The success of the attacks was enhanced by the sheer audacity of the terrorist's plans. Prior to September 11 any proposal to plan to defend against such a scenario, if such a scenario could even be envisioned, would have been dismissed due to its extremely low probability of occurrence. Unfortunately, we now live in times where even the most outlandish possibility must be carefully considered The United States is a country full of very soft targets and the oil and chemical industry, for example, presents many tempting opportunities to those who wish us harm. We are now faced with the problem of intentionally caused spills or releases.

How can we realistically defend against every threat? Generally, we rely in this country on a principle of "defense in depth", where the first line of defense exists far beyond our shores and is manned by our intelligence forces. As we approach our shores we are protected by gate-keepers such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs, Border Patrol, and the Immigration & Naturalization Services. Within the country federal, state and local law enforcement agencies provide another layer of defense. Sooner or later, however, security becomes the responsibility of individual companies or facilities. Even here we cannot build cement walls completely around our refineries or tank farms. To provide the final layer of defense against attack, which is both effective and economical, we must focus our preventative planning activities.

As stated in our discussion on Assessment, the military war planning and fighting concept of "Center of Gravity" can be applied to the challenges we face to defend against terrorist or other criminal activity. A "Center of Gravity" is that element, component or aspect of an entity that if destroyed,interrupted, or affected, will destroy or seriously affect the entire entity. COG's can be small valves, entire systems, equipment, or even key personnel. The determination of Centers Of Gravity depends on consequence. Consequence can be economic, the safety and health of workers within a facility or the public beyond its gates, or it can be environmental. Only after a carefully focused analysis of what really is important to an entity, can effective planning be conducted to defend it from harm.

The Security Plan

An effective security system has many elements, but the one thing that ties all these together is a comprehensive Security Plan. Your plan serves as a tool to prevent, prepare for and respond to a host of events that threaten the lives of your employees, your ability to operate, or which may cause environmental damage. Without a plan, your return on money invested in guards, fences, barriers, electronics, and lighting systems is greatly reduced.

How MarPortSecurity Can Help With Your Security Planning Efforts

MarPortSecurity can prepare and write your new Security Plan, and then keep it updated. We are also pleased to review any existing plans that you have and suggest improvements to complement previous work that has already been invested into their development.

MarPortSecurity personnel are very familiar with developing functional consequence management plans to meet both your security needs, as well as the regulatory requirements of government. Our Marine Safety personnel have prepared these type plans, and coordinated the necessary multi-agency involvement required for their success for years. Security plans need to be closely integrated with other plans that you may be required to have. For example, Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures Plans, Facility and Vessel Response Plans are required by various government agencies. It is important that the consequence management procedures contained in all plans be consistent with one another. Because of our expertise in this area we are best postured to ensure a seamless relationship between your existing plans and the approaching regulatory requirements of security planning.

Security plans are soon to be required by federal regulation for more entities operating in the marine environment. Security plan formats are currently in the development phase by government, but even when completed, are likely to evolve over time. If you are not required by law, regulation or your underwriter to have a plan, it is highly recommended that you develop one to protect your employees and your business interests.

We will write your plan, but prefer that your employees be a part of its development if it is to have value. It has been said that "plans" never survive the opening shot of a war. This may be true, but the process of developing and implementing a plan provides the in-depth system-wide knowledge and familiarity of your operations that will allow you to respond to many different unscripted challenges. Since planning is a continuous process, lessons learned from actual events or exercises need to be incorporated into your plan to revise policies and sharpen procedures contained in the plan. We will keep your plan up to date so that it meets your needs as well as the regulatory requirements of government.