DIMACS-CAIT Laboratory for Port Security &
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering &
Rutgers Homeland Security Center for Dynamic Data Analysis (DyDAn) Joint Seminar


Title: Maritime Security: A Complex Problem

Speaker: Bethann Rooney, Manager, Port Security for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Social: 4:30 pm

Location: CoRE Bldg, CoRE Auditorium, Rutgers University, Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ


Abstract:

This presentation will provide an overview of the maritime security arena, its various components, the numerous organizations that play a part and the challenges that we face in balancing trade and security. To understand the threats to the maritime industry we explore maritime security before 9/11, what we have accomplished in the past five years and what we still need to do, including national policy, technology deployment and leadership.

Biography

Bethann Rooney is the Manager, Port Security for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She is responsible for implementing and managing a comprehensive port security program to avoid and/or minimize losses associated with natural or manmade disasters or criminal activity. Beth works with local stakeholders and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to develop initiatives to address the areas of awareness, prevention, protection, response and recovery including Operation Safe Commerce, port security grants, demonstrations of new technology and the preparation of security plans and vulnerability assessments. Actively involved in the legislative and regulatory processes, Beth has often been called upon to testify before Congress regarding port and maritime security.

Beth is a graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College with a Bachelors Degree in Marine Transportation, a Masters Degree in International Transportation Management and qualifications as a Third Mate.

She has held several positions in the Port Commerce Department of the Port Authority including stints in Operations, Property Management, Intermodal and Technology Planning. Prior to joining the Port Authority in 1993, Beth worked as a port captain / steamship agent in several deep-water ports.