Terrorist attacks across the world are increasing with no predictions of letting up. After the terrorist attack on September 11 2001, the United States committed itself to ensure that such an attack as 9/11 would never surprise the country again. Dedicated to this promise, the United States Congress immediately passed legislation and created the Department of Homeland Security. The main objective of the Department of Homeland Security is to secure the nation from many threats and hazards; and, to ensure that the homeland is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism. Additionally, in order to further strengthen the United States security posture at seaports, the United States requires each seaport to maintain various levels of security
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The Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT) was the first organization of its kind in the United States ports (Port of Virginia, 2016). Partnerships with the Virginia Maritime Association, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads, and the Navy Fire Fighting School led to the establishment of the Maritime Incident Response Team. By having this type of capability in the Port of Virginia, it provides the opportunity for all stakeholders to implement training, conduct exercises, and plan drills (Port of Virginia, 2016). Today, the Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT) is a task force of individuals from the Chesapeake Fire Department, Hampton Fire Department, Henrico County Fire Department, James City County Fire Department, Newport News Fire Department, Norfolk Fire Department, Portsmouth Fire Department, Poquoson Fire Department, United States Coast Guard – Sector Hampton Roads, United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Pilots Association, Virginia Port Authority, and York County Fire Department (Port of Virginia, 2016). With all of these agencies, they have numerous expertise in shipboard firefighting, damage control, hazardous materials incident response, and many other
The Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT) was the first organization of its kind in the United States ports (Port of Virginia, 2016). Partnerships with the Virginia Maritime Association, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads, and the Navy Fire Fighting School led to the establishment of the Maritime Incident Response Team. By having this type of capability in the Port of Virginia, it provides the opportunity for all stakeholders to implement training, conduct exercises, and plan drills (Port of Virginia, 2016). Today, the Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT) is a task force of individuals from the Chesapeake Fire Department, Hampton Fire Department, Henrico County Fire Department, James City County Fire Department, Newport News Fire Department, Norfolk Fire Department, Portsmouth Fire Department, Poquoson Fire Department, United States Coast Guard – Sector Hampton Roads, United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Pilots Association, Virginia Port Authority, and York County Fire Department (Port of Virginia, 2016). With all of these agencies, they have numerous expertise in shipboard firefighting, damage control, hazardous materials incident response, and many other