CRA’s Maritime Security Team’s extensive 25 years of experience provides a complete suite of leading maritime security program services including training and exercise development and facilitation; hazard mitigation and prevention planning; security management, vulnerability and risk assessments; infrastructure protection planning, and emergency response and recovery planning.

CRA’s expertise spans the entire range of potential emergencies, including natural hazards, hazardous materials incidents, and terrorism.

In support of the Maritime Security Initiative, CRA is producing a series of 16 tabletop exercises for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) under the Port Security Exercise and Training Program (PortSTEP). The objective of this project is to design, develop, implement, and evaluate a model Port Exercise and Training Plan for use by maritime industry partners. This experience is supplemented through our on-going work with the U.S. Coast Guard and similar projects with ports and harbors across the United States.

CRA’s Maritime Security Team fully understands maritime industry operations and the threats they face and is dedicated to developing and supporting new programs, resources, and techniques to address the security challenges facing America's waterways.

New US and international regulations require training to improve the preparedness of port facilities, commercials vessels, offshore oil facilities, and other maritime industry stake holders. Committed to improving maritime security, CRA utilizes its experience and a wide range of services including training, security assessments, vessel security inspections, drills and exercises.

Seaports worldwide are the lifeblood of international trade and commerce with some five million tons of cargo coming in through 361 ports every day, and less than two percent of it is inspected. CRA is positioned to meet the security needs of foreign ports and international maritime stakeholders worldwide. Due to our wealth of experience our services meet and typically exceed regulations set forth by:

• U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act - International Ship and Port Facility Security Code – (MTSA - ISPS)

• International Maritime Organization – (IMO)

• United States Code of Federal Regulations - CFR 33 & 46 -

  • 33 CFR 101 - Maritime Security - General

  • 33 CFR 103 - Area Maritime Security

  • 33 CFR 104 - Vessel Security

  • 33 CFR 105 - Facility Security

  • 33 CFR 106 - Outer Continental Shelf Facility Security

  • 46 CFR Shipping

• USCG – Vessel Inspection Requirements

 

Internationally, CRA has provided maritime security assistance to countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Kazakhstan (Caspian Sea), Ukraine (Black Sea), and Moldova.
 

I enjoyed the opportunity to observe and was pleased with the experience. We have come a long way…this exercise was a positive step forward. Brought response community under one roof, put names with faces in non-crisis setting – will only benefit a response should one be required in the future. Participant, PortSTEP Exercise, Spring 2006

CRA offers the following professional Port Security services:

• Analysis, planning, and needs assessment including problem identification, survey and data analysis, public policy development, and the design of a system-wide continuum of services. (e.g. Port and Vessel Security Assessments and Plans, Vessel Security Inspections)

• Training and exercises including training needs assessment, curriculum development, audio-visual materials, on-site workshops and seminars, and a full range of exercise services (e.g. drills, tabletops, command post, and functional/field exercises).

• Program development including program assessment, course development, policy and procedure development, staff training, and implementation of specific program models. (e.g., Port Facility and Security Officer Training, Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear/Explosive (CBRNE) and HAZMAT Training)

• Research and evaluation of administrative policy, operational practices and procedures, and program outcomes and their performance against State and national standards.
   

Download the Tactical Interoperable Communications Scorecard To Assess the Maturity of Tactical Interoperable Communications Capabilities in 75 Urban/Metropolitan Areas.

Click HERE to contact Kyle Massey  or call 703-562-1010 to discuss how CRA can assist you with exercise development.