Port Maritime Legislation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Port Maritime Legislation - Assignment Example The main objective of the legislation is to tighten the security at ports in the US. A gambling provision was added to the legislation at the final moments before enactment. The provisions in this Act spring from some 20 bills that were introduced to the Congress following the controversy of the Dubai Ports World that aimed at blocking the acquisition of P&O Ports by Dubai World Ports and barring the US from exploitation by foreign owners (US Government Accountability Office, 2014). With the act, a range of programs were codified into law that have seen an improvement of security at the US ports namely The Small Vessel Security Strategy was devised to alleviate any risks of using small vessels to smuggle weapons of mass destruction or terrorists into the US. The strategy was also meant to alleviate threats of such vessels being used as standoff weapon platforms or a simple route to attacking the US directly with the waterborne improvised explosive device. This strategy also gives a clear definition of small vessel communities and then locates the areas where they prevail. The strategy outlines the best way forward in controlling and managing maritime risks, ensuring that the potential consequences of the attack through small vessels is eliminated in time (US Government Accountability Office, 2014). This approach requires the integration of various sectors and agencies. The salient goals of this vital security strategy include: d) To foster cooperation among all sectors, including local, tribal, state, federal, international, public and private sectors to adopt one approach towards maritime safety and security. In doing so, the Department of State alongside other federal agencies will be