Thirdly, it will be a challenge in ensuring that there is coordination and cooperation from all the stakeholders. Hecter explains that achieving the much-needed cooperation is not easy as anticipated by many. There are many conflicts of interests deterring from working towards a common objective. There is no port in the United States that is similar to another in all regards. However, most of them have similarities that make them exposed to terrorism activities. These characteristics are concerning the functionality and the physical layout. For instance, most of the ports are large and can be easily accessed by land and water. The vast nature and easy accessibility makes it hard to realize security measures like those applied in airports (Vesky, 2008). The large amounts of materials that are transported via the ports provide an opportunity for more threats. Most ports are metropolitan areas with a combination of different modes of transport, and high concentration of passengers and high value cargo make the areas potential targets.

The various authorities plus government agencies have employed a number of initiatives to tackle the security concerns. For instance, they are now conducting a risk assessment for the seaports. This is an important initiative as it will paint a picture on the state of security in various ports and provide a foundation to security solutions. Secondly, the coast guard is strengthening surveillance in high interest vessels and passenger related operations (Vesky, 2008). These will boost the security of the ports since it will be easy overcome terrorism threats. Additionally,...

This is to provide a basis for proper security planning. Moreover, inspection of containers and prescreening of the cargo has also been enhanced.
The United States authorities are now working with the global trade community. The move is to ensure that those countries bordering the United States help in protecting it from acts of terror (Vesky, 2008). The above initiatives can only be realized if the challenged above are addressed. This will ensure that the issues of security are addressed with the agency they require. All the stakeholders have a crucial role in ensuring that the both the sea and airports are safeguarded.

From the testimony of Hecter, it is evident that most of the seaports are not secure. The proposed initiatives if implemented will be of great benefit. All the government agencies have a role in ensuring that security is enhanced in the ports (Vesky, 2008). Coast guard has been successful in its past initiatives. It is also expected that it will play a vital role in enhancing security in the various ports across the United States of America. Moreover, with the attention shifting towards ports securities, it is expected that the local, federal and state governments will work hard to ensure that security is enhanced. Additionally, it is expected that the findings of the research being undertaken concerning security challenges will help in laying a strong foundation in planning for security.

References

Vesky, J.P. (2008). Port and maritime security. New York: Nova…