DHS Announces Maritime Coordination Plan with CBP, ICE, CG
On July 7, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security unveiled a cross-component Maritime Operations Coordination (MOC) plan to enhance DHS' coordination capabilities with other federal agencies and to provide a layered security presence to deter and respond to threats against the U.S. and its interests.
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Plan Will Strengthen Info Sharing, Intelligence Integration for Marine Operations
The MOC plan will strengthen DHS' collaboration in maritime operations among the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The MOC plan focuses on improved collaboration across the following five areas: (i) coordination, (ii) planning, (iii) information sharing, (iv) intelligence integration, and (v) response activities.
Will Use Layered Approach to Security, Reduce Duplication of Efforts
In addition, the plan outlines the need for a layered approach to security while underscoring the importance of working in tandem with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and international partners. CBP Commissioner Bersin stated that this plan will reduce duplication of efforts between the component agencies.
Field Supervisors Will Apply Risk Analysis, Plan Joint Exercises, Etc.
Following the signing of the MOC plan, component field-level supervisors will implement the requirements set forth in this plan. Responsibilities of each Regional Supervisor include:
- Coordinating Department-wide activities to avoid duplicative operations and provide an active, layered and scalable security presence;
- Planning joint exercises to improve coordination and understanding of each component’s statutory and regulatory responsibilities; and
- Applying a risk analysis methodology to the planning effort.