Maritime Security -Marina's, Ports, Docks & Harbours
Marine and maritime security is of prime concern for those operating ports, harbours, offshore facilities and shipping around the globe. The threat of a terrorist strike from either sea-level or sub-aqua locations is a risk that must be managed to the highest degree. In a world increasingly vigilant to the threat of terrorist and criminal activities international intelligence organisations indicate that groups may be gearing up for strikes on harbours, ports and offshore facilities.
Terrorist activity generally focuses on targets that offer limited or no security; especially those which would cause maximum damage to human life, economy and ecology. Criminal activity equally looks to take advantage of 'soft' targets providing maximum gain with minimal risk. Currently, marine access points are exposed and present themselves as high risk areas - thereby appearing to be credible avenues for attack. Any attack on a marine installation, harbour or port could have devastating consequences. Target hardening and the installation of strategic security measures is therefore essential to limit risk.
Overall perimeter detection and observation is essential for ports and harbours. All areas must be addressed, including those above and below the water-line, within the perimeter boundary.
High level screening is also of great importance. The entry of illegal/hazardous substances or the smuggling of illegal immigrants must be intercepted before they enter the mainland. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to security problems further down the line.
Unprotected modern day ports and harbours are now a major security threat to national security and welfare, and security must be tightened up to prevent security outbreaks and attacks.
Attacks on assets and geographical locations can come in several forms:
- Diver/swimmer;
- Fast marine craft suicide attack;
- Large ship assault on major installations (9/11 style attack);
- Piracy;
- Submarine attack;
- Aerial attack;
- Entry of hazardous or illegal substances via shipping;
- Breach of port perimeter boundaries.
A clear strategy for security and defence is essential for countries to react and be ready for such attacks. Effective strategies will include the following:
Westminster International has a total solution capability, with the ability to provide an all encompassing package for the security/defence of governmental, military and commercial maritime applications.
System Solutions
Westminster International can provide in-depth knowledge and strategic consultation assistance to design a total protection scheme that may include any of the following systems:
Physical Security & Deterrence
- Marine Barriers: to deter and prevent small to medium sized vessels access to specific restricted areas;
- Underwater Security Net: to deter and prevent medium sized vessels access to specific restricted areas and to stop divers entering these areas.
Detection & Observation
- Pulsar Marine Radar: Long range coastal radar for the detection of objects ranging from swimmers to marine vessels out to a maximum distance of 12 nautical miles;
- Pulsar Diver Detection Sonar: Detection of divers for the protection of key port and harbour areas;
- Fast Craft Detection: Systems for the detection of fast craft entering or operating in restricted areas;
- Thermal Imaging Cameras: The ability to monitor the water surface for activity. Can be interfaced to and be controlled automatically by the coastal radar to focus directly on detected targets;
- Port Perimeter/Boundary Protection Systems: Perimeter detection and access control systems to monitor for illegal entry or breach of port perimeter boundaries and to control access to key areas;
- Screening systems: Detection of hazardous or illegal substances and the detection of human trafficking using advanced screening systems including x-ray, millimetre wave and other high tech security solutions.