HLSS645 Discussion
W1: Maritime Trade Economic Impact
Discussion Questions: Evaluate the importance of maritime trade and the Maritime
Transportation System to the world economies and compare the challenges associated with port
security. As part of your discussion, highlight the impact of economic dependency on maritime
transportation, and illustrate the importance of mega ports to international trade. For example,
what percentage of goods and services are transported by maritime means and what is the impact
on the world economy? How many ports are in the United States alone? (LO1.1 & LO1.2)
W2: Maritime Security Threat Vectors
Discussion Questions: What are CBRNE threat vectors? What challenges are present in
detecting these concerns, and what are security/industry doing to address them? Consider the
impact and importance of the development of Mega Ports the widening of the Panama Canal
and the increased use of the western rivers of the United States as a means of moving large
quantities of hazardous chemicals. Consider the threat that COVID-19 has had to the entire
Maritime Transportation System or invasive species. (LO2.1 & LO2.2
W3: Maritime Container Security
Discussion Questions: Consider how you would categorize the vulnerabilities of Port systems to
disruption by discussing the significance of the Secure Freight Initiative. Be sure to explain the
importance of CPB’s Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CT-PAT), and the resultant
implications in delays in screening cargo on port operations. (LO3.1 & LO3.2)
W4: Vulnerability of Shipping, Port Critical Infrastructure and the Effect of Climate
Change
Discussion Questions: Consider all the threat vectors, and pick the one you believe threatens
one (or all) of America’s top twenty ports…i.e. Houston, Seattle, etc. Address why you believe
that this threat vector is most probable. Additionally, consider port critical infrastructure such as
oil refineries and their vulnerabilities. Think beyond cybersecurity. Pick a specific type of
infrastructure and discuss what threat vector that you believe is most significant within the
maritime environment. Think outside the box. Is climate change a threat? (LO4.1 & LO4.2)
W5: The Human Side of Port Security
Discussion Questions: Describe how you would develop a comprehensive Vessel Security
Assessment for a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Tanker. What elements should the elements have?
Why are these elements important? What vulnerabilities concern you the most? Why are they
important? How has the impact of COVID impact labor availability in the ports? (LO5.1 &
LO5.2)
W6: Global Maritime Issues: Piracy/ Cruiseship Threats/Narcotics & Human Smuggling
Discussion Questions: Analyze and critique the safety and emergency management structure
found in the port environment, and discuss the supporting plans and programs typically found in
a major port operation. As part of your discussion, judge the legislative policies developed to
prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from a WMD attack at a major port. In your
opinion, are the current legislative security policies sufficient to secure and protect US ports?
Explain. (LO6.1 & LO6.2)
W7: Maritime Cyber Security
Discussion Questions: What aspect of Maritime Cyber Security concerns you the most? What
type of cyber events would have significant impact on the day to day operation of a port? (LO7.1
& LO7.2)
W8: Future Maritime/Port Security Issues
Discussion Questions: What do YOU consider to be the great threat to port security in the
next decade? Is it increased reliance on cyber systems? How can modeling be used to
anticipate issues and plan responses within the Maritime Transportation System? What will be
the impact of more automation in operations? The continued unrest around the world? The
lack of diversity within the MTS work force? (LO8.1 & LO8.2)

Purchase answer to see full
attachment