Securing Certain Dangerous Cargoes

This article describes how the transit, transfer, and storage of certain dangerous cargoes (CDCs) along the nation’s waterways presents particular security challenges for those charged with ensuring that no harm comes to adjacent populations and critical infrastructure. These types of cargo have chemical characteristics that can result in significant health or infrastructure impact in an uncontrolled release. The Coast Guard identifies bulk CDC transits, transfers, and storage as one of the highest daily security risks on U.S. waterways. The Coast Guard has embarked on a risk-based approach to CDC security. This strategic and tactical approach considers the reality of limited federal resources against the significant consequences of a successful terrorist to ultimately establish and manage an acceptable CDC security risk. Primary to this approach is developing a national CDC security strategy and implementation plan that spans the security spectrum from awareness, prevention, and protection to response and recovery. The national CDC security strategy focuses on intentional attacks to the portion of the U.S. marine transportation system (MTS) that supports bulk CDC vessel transits, vessel/facility transfers, and facility storage. The strategy integrates the elements of the security spectrum with the elements of the risk equation (risk = threat × vulnerability × consequence) through operational and internal management goals.

Language

  • English

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01363025
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Feb 17 2012 8:31AM