Page 64: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2004)

2004 World Yearbook » Maritime Security

The Midas Touch

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Minimizing the risk of a water-borne or delivered ter- rorist attack is no small responsibility. Maritime

Reporter visited recently with U.S. Coast Guard LCDR

Stephen M. Midas. Chief, Planning and Risk

Management Department, Marine Safety Office

Hampton Roads, for some insights.

When historians document the early 21st century evolution of the U.S. Coast Guard, the current era will be considered a watershed for many reasons. In the midst of a dramatic transformation of assets and responsibilities, the Coast Guard, which was taken in whole into the new Department of Homeland Security, has been an exemplary extrovert in efforts to commu- nicate with industry in the implementation of measures to meet the new Marine Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and the International Ship and Port Facility

Security Code (ISPS). Tasked with burgeoning and ever-evolving responsibilities that transcends military, industry and public service, it has been a lead voice in helping to secure our shores while facilitating the busi- ness of the world's lead trade partner. "The only safe port is one where nothing moves.

We can't do that."

Alternately, it has played some cards very close to the vest —understandably so — particularly in regards to its means and methods utilized to identify potential threats and critical waterfront infrastructure, the latter which was expanded significantly under MTSA.

Its role as protector versus known and yet-to-be- known terrorist threats must constantly be weighed against the need to facilitate efficient port operations, all the while maintaining a long list of traditional duties that are core to the public interest.

While the knee-jerk reaction to enhanced maritime security capabilities may be the integration of the latest technological product or system, it is apparent that there is no "silver bullet" solution to mitigate these threats, and the buzz word today is taking the 'layered approach' to maritime and port facility security. "Industry in this area and across the country realizes and understands that they all have a role, and that this is an all hands evolution," said Midas. " The challenge is getting everyone together, playing off of the same sheet of music."

Central to this is communication, and LCDR Midas was one of the key people behind the effort to improve coordination and communications between local groups like the Hampton Roads Harbor Safety/Port

Protection/Emergency Control Committee, which was recognized by headquarters as the 2003 Harbor Safety

Committee of the Year, the

Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council and the Area

Maritime Security Committee. The humble Midas would be reluctant to take too much credit though. "One of the biggest complaints that we had was that no one was talking to each other." said Midas. "We start- ed with the Port Security Committee to ensure every- one knew the other guys' business and capability, to better coordinate response (to an emergency)."

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