NCJ Number
70176
Journal
Security Management Volume: 24 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1980) Pages: 76-77,79-80,82,86-89,91-94
Date Published
1980
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Tighter controls and advance planning are needed to protect vulnerable marine targets from the threat of international terrorism.
Abstract
Since 1975 there have been 200 terrorist attacks annually worldwide, and the trend is upward. A likely target of Third World terrorists is the U.S., seen the symbol of capitalist success. It is therefore expected that vulnerable marine targets (e.g. luxury cruise ships, offshore oil platforms and pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico), and potentially destructive cargoes (e.g. Liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, chlorine) will become subject to sabotage attacks by international terrorists. Tighter controls of dock areas and offshore installations are recommended. Advance planning by Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine authorities as well as the operators of various offshore energy facilities is needed in adition to the already existing counterterrorist infrastructure. The attempt to steal a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, the USS Trepang, in 1978 should serve as an example and a warning. The history and political background of international terrorism, along with names of terrorist organizations are included.