National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy

As the world's premier maritime operational consultants, training mentors, business counselors, and advocacy advisors, with a cadre of experienced experts from all aspects of maritime security, law enforcement and emergency response mission areas, there are a number of services that the Academy can provide to its domestic and international members. From initial consultation, to ongoing retainer-based services, to workshops, exercises and assessments, the Academy's diverse and experienced staff can provide you and your organization the elements necessary for peak preparedness, prevention, protection, and performance.

 

 

 

 

 

Some examples of services that the Academy can provide:

 

Access to Subject Matter Experts

As the law enforcement and public safety community loses its institutional knowledge (10,000-20,000 retirements occurring across America daily, as referred to in our White Paper: Navigating the Changing Seascape of Maritime Public Safety), there is a tremendous need for access to recognized SMEs, be it for training recommendations, policy advice, procurement guidance, or court case review and SME testimony. The Academy provides access to those experts and a way for agencies to maintain that institutional knowledge in an affordable and immediately accessible framework.

 

Marine Division Assessments
This evaluation is designed to provide an agency or department the information needed to properly develop, outfit, train and maintain a maritime law enforcement division.  This assessment will relay to the agency the marine division’s operational abilities, minimum equipment requirements, training and personnel needs, and overall preparedness for the mission for which the marine division is designed.  This assessment can also provide management with an independent look at a solid marine division.

Validation and comparison to other agencies with similar authority and jurisdictional bases is a good way to measure the effectiveness and quality of the division.  This evaluation not only looks at the enforcement operations aspects of the marine division, but the public relations aspects as well.  For the marine division, public education in boating safety and boating under the influence is an important aspect of the job.  This evaluation can also assist your department or agency with media relations and public boating safety announcements in your local area.

 

Cybersecurity Baseline Assessments, Training, Pen Testing, Risk Management and Consultation

The maritime domain is significantly vulnerable to cyber attacks and threats, and guidance from subject matter experts is necessary and critical to ensure an organization's readiness, response and recovery capabilities. (Read our White Paper, "No Safe Harbor" or watch our webinar on maritime cybersecurity by clicking here.) From needs assessments and measurement/assessment of your organization's cybersecurity maturity (including Penetration Testing of your facility or port), to executive briefings, workshops and cybersecurity training, the Academy can provide you with the tools you need to become proactive (versus reactive) and develop an effective Cybersecurity Risk Management Plan. The same tools used by the Department of Defense and NASA. To learn more about our Cyber Risk Management resources in partnership with RiskSense, click here.

 

Compliance Evaluations
The Academy provides services to assist companies develop a corporate approach to compliance and stay current with MTSA requirements.

 

Facility and Vessel Security Assessments

These services assess the compliance/non-compliance of a facility.  Security assessments include on-site surveys, vulnerability, threat and risk analysis and a written report in the form required by the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port.

 

Threat and Vulnerability Assessments

The foundation of any physical, digital, or operational security begins with understanding what threats exist, and what vulnerabilities you may have with those threats in mind. More importantly, we should not forget that the treat environments change, as do the vulnerabilities. An assessment done a number of years ago does not accurately depict the threats and vulnerabilities of today. The Academy can provide experienced operators and security professionals to assess your facility, port, or organization and identify those elements of your security framework that can be enhanced, with expert guidance on acquisition and implementation of those platforms, technologies, or processes.

 

Port Security Plans
The Academy can develop a facility security plan in accordance with MTSA regulations.  The Academy can also prepare business plans related to the implementation of security plan measures including capital and operating costs, forecasts, tariff setting and grant application management.

 

Security Plan Audit
Facilities wishing to comply with MTSA regulations must implement and maintain an Audit Program for Maritime Security Auditing activities.  Activities performed by the NMLEA include an annual audit exercise, periodic reviews of security documentation and audit inspections and security procedures.

 

Exercises, Assessments, and Drills
The best way to test your training, plans and standard operating procedures is through exercises and drills. And the best way to prepare your operators for the future is to put them through well planned, orchestrated, and executed exercises with clear goals, defined objectives, and a proven evaluation process. Experienced exercise practitioners, the Academy staff can develop, tabletop, functional and full-scale events to satisfy mandatory requirements, to validate your capabilities, or to identify potential gaps that can be corrected before a real event occurs. To learn more about our exercise experience, click here.

 

Grant Writing Assistance
The NMLEA staff can assist MTSA regulated ports and facilities, as well as public safety agencies, divisions and departments in writing Investment Justifications for Port Security Grant funding, and other organizations with finding the right grant program for their needs. Our services include post-award management and execution guidance, that can be critical to the success of your programs. Having helped agencies all across the country in the Nation's key port areas secure and manage grant awards, find out how we can help you with your efforts by clicking here . 

 

Advocacy and Guidance

The Academy is dedicated to the Maritime Law Enforcement/Public Safety community, and in that capacity, is committed to providing its members with the expertise, consultation, and guidance recognized as the world's finest in the areas of operations, training, technologies, manufacturing, business and government affairs.