I'm not sure that I understand your point in saying that port and terminal operators are somehow free from responsibilities for security. First, they are not free from such responsibilities. Port and terminal operators are universally regarded as integral links in port security. The Canadian PIP and US Customs CSI programs both have initiatives for expanded cooperation and integration of operators into the procedures for port security. Operations and effective security simply cannot be seperated as if one is unrelated to the other.
Second, alliances with trustworthy operators are essential to the overall security picture. Operators themselves recognize this, and hence are generally cooperative with proposed "first-line" self-policing and mandatory reporting requirements. No one is under the illusion that rogue operators are acceptable because "security is someones else's responsibility."
My questions is to do with port security. I understand that DHS is responsible to inspect cargo, i.e. containers. I also understand very few containers are actually inspected, much to the chagrin and many of us.
I also understand that the port management (UAE) provides port security. Who can explain what security exactly the UAE port manager provides? Is it securing the actual physical port?
I didn't say "free from .. security". I said cargo screening.
The only type of security breach that a Port Operator is going to be able to assist in is "jumping over the fence" kind.
So what's easier:
- Coordinate the sale of a major shippign corporation to an Arab country and transfer "ownership" of an American port, so that you can cut a hole in the fence so that hopefully at 3 AM no one will see you stealing out of a container
- Bribe a guard so that you can cut a hole in the fence so that hopefully at 3 AM no one will see you stealing out of a container
The bulk of your post doesn't pertain to the Port Operator's specific day to day functions.
Reporting to Customs is done by the Ocean Carriers. Authorization to release cargo is controlled by Customs and the Ocean Carriers. The Port Operator facilitates the yard management required to stage containers.
In all this hyseria no one has put forth a plausible scenerio of specific wrongdoing. No one has stated what exactly can happen that can't happen now.
You guys are saying "Oh they're Arabs can't trust them" but no one has yet to put forth a credible story on what exactly is going to change. And how today's arrangement is somehow preventing whatever the Arabs are feared to be able to do from being done now.