Overview
In 2002, the United States Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) requiring maritime port facilities to address port security through appropriate training of port personnel, implementation of access control procedures and handling of certain dangerous cargo.
During fiscal year 2005, the position of Director of Security was established for the Maryland Port Administration. The office is staffed with two Senior Security Specialists and one Security Information Specialist and is housed in the Dunmar Building South on the Dundalk Marine Terminal.
The Office of Security is responsible for overseeing contract security personnel who in turn are responsible for conducting access control duties at each of MPA's regulated marine terminals which are Dundalk and Seagirt Marine Terminals, North Locust Point Marine Terminal, South Locust Point Marine Terminal, South Locust Point Cruise Terminal and Fairfield Marine Terminal. The contract with the MPA for security personnel services is with Securitas, Inc. The Office of Security also works in accordance with an agreement with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MdTA Police) who are responsible for law enforcement and patrol functions on MPA terminals.
The Director of Security is the Facility Security Officer responsible for maintaining a security plan for each regulated MPA terminal. Each MPA facility security plan must be approved by the Captain of the Port, United States Coast Guard (USCG). The Coast Guard was given authority under MTSA to impose fines and penalties for non-compliance with MTSA requirements.
The Maryland Area Maritime Security Committee, formed after the attacks of September 11, 2001, coordinates security efforts between its members consisting of the MPA, USCG, MdTA Police, Customs and Border Protection Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, municipal law enforcement agencies and maritime personnel from the private and public sectors. The committee plans annual port security drills and exercises to evaluate port security and address lessons learned for port security improvement.
Mission Statement
Service * Awareness * Protection
The mission of the Office of Security has been embodied by office staff in the words: Service, Awareness and Protection. The Office of Security will support and promote the Maryland Port Administration's mission, principles and vision by commitment to excellence in providing security Service; promoting Awareness through collaborate information analysis and dissemination with public and private institutions; and using cost effective risk management methodologies for the Protection of facility assets.
