FBI Building Maritime Coordination Network to Boost Security
The FBI has limited experience in maritime security, but after the recent increase in threats posed to maritime workers and crew from pirates, the agency is building relationships with maritime companies in an effort to enhance its security programs.
The agency, from its Maritime Liaison office in Florida, is focusing on the commercial cruising industry, yacht and boating industry, cargo lines, and other maritime related industries. The intention is to increase the FBI's ability to gather intelligence. Cargo vessels and cruise ships, for instance, are much more likely to observe suspicious behavior and can report to the FBI, enabling the agency to take important steps in protecting maritime workers and our ports. 
The agency plans to develop a comprehensive maritime network that can receive information from vessel lines and other sources, and then use the information to ward off any threats. The agency has established maritime liaison officers at all its field offices that have connections to the maritime industry.
Specific activities that the Florida FBI Maritime Liaison Center has investigated include major security threats like:
- Hijacking
- Bomb threats to vessels
- Smuggling of weapons, explosives, and drugs
Also, the agency is monitoring suspicious activities, like photography and dubious purchases, like night vision equipment and underwater delivery systems. The agency is looking especially at such activities by people belonging to countries that have a history of threatening the U.S. In addition to these, the FBI is also investigating murders, assaults, suicide, and other matters that fall under maritime jurisdiction.
FBI Can Assist with Maritime Security Issues
With its reputation for efficiency and diligence, the FBI has a huge role to play in ensuring the security of maritime workers. Workers on cruise ships, cargo vessels, and crew members of yachts and luxury boats are at greater risk of danger on the seas than in previous decades. Years after 9/11, terrorism continues to be a threat to our country and maritime workers at sea are at an increased risk of dangers from such activities. The recent pirate attacks on American vessels have also increased the need for top level federal assistance for providing security to workers.
As maritime lawyers, we believe such involvement of the country's top investigating agency is extremely important for the security of maritime workers.
If you have any questions regarding a maritime incident, contact a maritime attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.
