Maritime Security Awareness Event, 16.Feb.2025

Introduction

Maritime Security Awareness is a training course designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of maritime security and equip them with the knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to maintaining a secure maritime environment. This course aims to raise awareness among participants about the various security threats and challenges faced in the maritime domain and enable them to recognize, prevent, and respond to security incidents.

The course emphasizes the importance of security circumvention and contingency plans. Participants will learn strategies to identify and address security vulnerabilities, develop emergency response plans, and coordinate with relevant authorities in managing security incidents. Continual evaluation and improvement of security measures are also highlighted as essential elements of maintaining an effective maritime security framework.

By completing the Maritime Security Awareness course, participants will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and awareness to contribute to the overall security of the maritime industry. This course is beneficial for individuals working in the maritime sector, including ship crews, port personnel, security officers, law enforcement agencies, and those involved in maritime operations, as well as individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of maritime security and its significance in today's interconnected world.

Course Objectives

• Understand the significance of maritime security
• Identify key regulations and conventions related to maritime security
• Define essential terms and concepts
• Comprehend security levels in maritime operations
• Recognize the security responsibilities of different stakeholders
• Familiarize yourself with current security threats and patterns
• Understand conventional weapons and explosives
• Learn about weapons of mass destruction
• Identify suspicious persons and behaviors
• Gain knowledge about piracy and armed robbery
• Develop security circumvention and contingency plans

Course Outlines

Day 1

• Introduction to Maritime Security:
  • Importance of maritime security
  • Historical Context and Evolution of maritime security measures
  • Roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring maritime security
  • Key Challenges and Vulnerabilities in maritime security
  • Introduction to international organizations and initiatives addressing maritime security
• Conventions, Codes, and Regulations:
  • Overview of key international conventions related to maritime security (e.g., SOLAS, ISPS)
  • Understanding relevant codes and guidelines (e.g., International Ship and Port Facility Security Code)
  • National and regional regulations concerning maritime security
  • Compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms

Day 2

• Definitions:
  • Understanding terminology and concepts specific to maritime security
  • Definitions of essential terms related to maritime security operations
  • Clarity on terms such as restricted areas, restricted access, security zones, etc.
  • Differentiating between security-related terms to ensure clear communication and coordination

Day 3

• Maritime Security Levels:
  • Introduction to the concept of maritime security levels (e.g., MARSEC levels)
  • Understanding the criteria for different security levels
  • Actions and precautions associated with each security level
  • Communication protocols and reporting requirements at different security levels
  • Case studies and scenarios illustrating the implementation of security levels

Day 4

• Security Responsibilities:
  • Identifying the responsibilities of various stakeholders in maritime security
  • Roles of the ship crew, port authorities, security personnel, and other relevant parties
  • Communication and coordination among different stakeholders
  • Understanding the legal obligations and liabilities of individuals and organizations
  • Best practices for effective security responsibilities and collaboration

Day 5

• Current Security Threats and Patterns:
  • Overview of contemporary security threats in the maritime domain
  • Analysis of recent incidents and patterns of maritime security breaches
  • Examination of factors contributing to security threats (e.g., piracy, terrorism, smuggling)
  • Understanding the impact of emerging technologies on maritime security
  • Monitoring and early warning systems for effective threat detection and prevention

Day 6

• Conventional Weapons and Explosives:
  • Identification and characteristics of conventional weapons and explosives
  • Understanding the potential risks and consequences of weapons and explosives on ships
  • Safety protocols and measures to mitigate risks associated with weapons and explosives
  • Response procedures in case of weapons-related incidents
  • Case studies and practical exercises on handling and neutralizing weapons and explosives

Day 7

• Weapons of Mass Destruction:
  • Introduction to Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their potential impact
  • Types of WMD: nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological
  • Recognition and response to WMD threats in the maritime environment
  • Emergency response plans and protocols for WMD incidents
  • Cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities in managing WMD-related risks

Day 8

• Suspicious Persons and Behaviors:
  • Identifying suspicious individuals and behaviors in the maritime context
  • Behavioral Indicators of potential security threats
  • Approaches to assessing and responding to suspicious activities
  • Reporting procedures for suspicious persons and behaviors
  • Enhancing situational awareness to prevent security breaches

Day 9

• Piracy and Armed Robbery:
  • Understanding the nature and scope of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime domain
  • Historical Context and Hotspots of piracy incidents
  • Tactics employed by pirates and armed robbers
  • Prevention and deterrence measures against piracy and armed robbery
  • Response protocols and crisis management during piracy incidents

Day 10

• Security Circumvention and Contingency Plans:
  • Strategies to circumvent security vulnerabilities and loopholes
  • Development of effective contingency plans to address security incidents
  • Emergency response and evacuation procedures
  • Coordination with local authorities, law enforcement, and security agencies
  • Continual improvement and evaluation of security measures