The DHS Strategy was created to address the potential for commercial or recreational small vessels to be used to smuggle terrorists or weapons (including weapons of mass destruction) into the United States, as a stand-off weapon platform, or as a direct attack method to deliver a water-borne improvised explosive device (WBIED). Following the Strategy, the Plan seeks to improve Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), maritime security and safety alike. It improves existing operations and systems by leveraging the actions and resources of stakeholder groups in the commercial private sector and the recreational boating community.

The Strategy’s four major goals are:

• Develop a strong partnership with the small vessel community to enhance maritime domain awareness, that is the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact our security, safety, economy, or environment;
• Strengthen maritime security and safety based on a coherent plan with a layered, innovative approach;
• Exploit technology to enhance our ability to detect, determine the intent of, and, where necessary, interdict small vessels; and,
• Improve coordination, cooperation, and communications between the public and private sectors, as well as with our international partners.

Full Report

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