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proval program with rigorous certifica- tion process for maritime security train-ing providers. The Administration sets forth a challenging set of criteria whichproviders must fully meet in order to be certified to deliver training, ensuring that industry leaders groom future leaders.From the time MARAD?s training certi- fication program was first commissioned, more than 25,000 individuals have been trained, and over 50 training providers approved. An approved list of these providers is available on the MARAD website, marad.dot.gov/documents/ MTSA_certified_courses.pdfLast year, a coordinated effort between MARAD, the USMMA, the FBI, and theUSCG introduced an entirely new modelcoursework on Crime Prevention, Detec- tion, Evidence Preservation and Report- ing in response to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010. This much-needed guidance upon which edu-cation and training providers can base in- struction for the prevention, detection and evidence preservation and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment was published in June 2011.Since the problem of piracy escalated in the Horn of Africa (HOA) region in 2008, MARAD has worked extensively with the U.S. Coast Guard and the De-partment of State to develop strategies that protect commercial shippers from pi-rate attacks. These strategies have been discussed and deliberated upon by theU.S. Delegation to the IMO?s Maritime Safety Committee, on which MARAD?s Office of Security serves as a member. The office has also served with the U.S. Delegation on the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, which supported naval, industry, judicial, and diplomatic efforts that decreased the number of successful pirate attacks in theHOA by nearly 50%. Through these and other coalitions,MARAD has backed several piracy mit- igation strategies which have made sub- stantial impacts on the issue. For instance, the development of circulars and annexes for the IMO has helped flag states and industry obtain valuable advice on preventing successful pirate attacks. MARAD supplemented these notices byestablishing both the frequent publishingof MARAD and Office of Naval Intelli- gence (ONI) threat advisories as well assupporting the development of ?Best Management Practices (BMP) to CombatPiracy? by international shipping organ- izations. MARAD also provided input into, and assisted with the distribution of, the U.S. Coast Guard security directives that outline specific, risk-based measures one should take in order to deter, detect and disrupt piracy. To ensure that similar measures are taken in foreign waters which need them most, MARAD and itsagency affiliates support international navy vessels which patrol and escort other vessels in the HOA. MARAD has also collaborated withMilitary Sealift Command, together es-tablishing the Anti-Piracy Assistance Team (APAT) in April 2009. This volun- tary program consists of 1-2 representa-tives from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and 1 MARAD official, who visit and assess US-flag vessels in US ports. These rep- resentatives then compile a detailed re- port for the Master and Company Security Officer of the vessel, regarding the areas of vessel operation particularly vulnerable to acts of piracy. More than 50 of these assessments have taken place since the program started three years ago.As stated and demonstrated above, the tumults of international politics andglobal economics have created a perfect storm for today?s global transportation system. Public and private entities of MTS stay afloat and secure through thecrucial balance of safety and expediency which MARAD continually strives for. In implementing vital change throughoutboth the procedural and infrastructural di-mensions of our international transporta-tion network, MARAD has helped shape not just the current state of marine trans-portation security, but also its future. Owen Doherty is the Director for theOffice of Security at the DOT/Mar- itime Administration. He is a graduateof the USMMA and the Naval War College. October 2012www.marinelink.com 21MR#10 (18-25):MR Template 10/2/2012 10:42 AM Page 21