Maritime Terrorism: The Threat from Small Vessels

Abstract

A terrorist attack on a merchant ship or port containing a ‘high consequence’ cargo would have untold human and economic consequences to Australia. The failure to regulate or monitor the small vessels that would probably be involved in an attack requires recognition and action. Incremental counter-terrorist policies are not able to provide the required level of security. Passive monitoring with existing AIS technology is a feasible and cost-effective solution to improving port and coastal security. Jurisdictional and regulative problems could be simplified with federal responsibility for all registered vessels.