The Maritime Security Risk Analysis Model: Applying the Latest Risk Assessment Techniques to Maritime Security

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander commissioned the port security risk assessment tool (PS-RAT). The tool gave the local Captains of the Port the fundamental capability of assessing port vulnerabilities and potential consequences of maritime-related terrorist attacks. PS-RAT aided in setting priorities at the Captain of the Port level. However, the scope of the assessment and level of rigor applied it were ordered by the local Captains of the Port. This subjectivity resulted in variations between ports and complicated the use of port-level data required to obtain an overall national security perspective. Building upon this foundation with lessons learned from PS-RAT, and in synchronization with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7, this article describes creation of the maritime security risk analysis model (MSRAM) by the U.S. Coast Guard Domestic Port Security Evaluation Division, with the assistance of field, district, and area commands. The pressing dilemma facing the Coast Guard was complexity of the maritime transportation system and the vast array of potential targets within the U.S. maritime domain. MSRAM was designed to enhance security and reduce the risk of terrorism by prioritizing critical infrastructure and key resources using a common risk methodology, taxonomy, and metrics to measure security risk at the local, regional, and national levels.