Maritime Safety and Security in the Americas

Working Group

Maritime Safety and Security in the Americas

Introduction

The maritime sector is fundamental in the global economy and in the daily lives of people around the world, accounting for 90% of the movement of goods within the region, it promotes global connectivity, provides access to natural resources, generates employment, boosts tourism and recreation, and supports national security and defense.

The maritime sector is susceptible to lack of coordination among various national systems, and maintaining a secure flow of trade requiring states to make a concerted effort to harmonize their rules and systems in order to coordinate among a broad range of border security agencies so that their maritime transport systems operate seamlessly across borders.

Currently the maritime sector is highly vulnerable to illicit activities given its inherent transnational nature and the growth of new technologies. Unfortunately, this sector is an important target for organized crime, and for past years has faced several threats, including trafficking of illicit drugs, persons, weapons; illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; piracy; cyber-attacks; migrant smuggling; theft, contraband and pilferage among others.

As an important part of the international trade, the maritime sector needs to establish a harmonized and stable supply chain. International trade in recent years has grown at a faster rate compared to the port facilities, which means that the demand for product is increasing and consequently, port facilities are in need to find a way to be effective in their processes and streamline the movement of cargo. Disruptions affecting shipping and ports can have major impacts on international supply chains, causing economic consequences to the region. The maritime sector and economic development are closely linked, a balance between facilitation of trade and security must be in place, encouraging trade in an efficient and secure manner.

Mission Statement

To foster a collaborative environment to strengthen maritime security, ensure balance between trade facilitation and security, and enhance a safe maritime environment in the region.

Objectives

1. Enhance Security Measures: Strengthen maritime security through implementation measures to combat illicit activities, to include trafficking of drugs, persons, weapons, illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, cyber-attacks, migrant smuggling, theft, contraband and pilferage among others, while safeguarding national and regional interests.

2. Developing Strong Mechanisms and Policies: Encourage authorities, stakeholder and strategic partners to communicate effectively among themselves, maximize their resources, take a comprehensive review of their maritime security.

3. Foster Interagency Collaboration: Work with organizations, governments, and industry partners to align policies, standards, and best practices, ensuring a unified approach to maritime safety and security challenges.

4. Promote Safe Navigation: Ensure the safety of vessels, crews, and passengers by advocating for the best practices in navigation, vessel operations, and emergency response

Together, we aim to create a secure and safe maritime environment that supports economic growth, environmental stewardship, and regional stability for the benefit of all nations in the Americas.

Participants

Lisbeth Laurie

Chairperson

Lisbeth Laurie is Program Manager and expert in the design of initiatives aiming to improve maritime and port security, including promoting, designing, and implementing key capacity-building programs for north, central and south American countries; developing training content, best practices, and tabletop exercises related to port security; and implementing efforts related to supply-chain security.

In her role as a Program Manager of the Maritime and Port Security Program of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organization of American States (OAS), a multilateral organization covering the Americas, Ms. Laurie has led important initiatives: (1) the development of National Maritime Security Strategies for Guatemala, as well as for each of seven Eastern Caribbean countries and also creation of an Eastern Caribbean Regional Maritime Security Strategy; (2) an operational assessment of a key maritime port for the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; (3) publication of Maritime Cybersecurity in the Western Hemisphere Guidelines, and a Verification and Compliance Manual for Port Security Officials.

Ms. Laurie played a leading role in the substantive execution of a number capacity-building initiatives on supply chain security focused on Authorized Economic Operator Program in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Paraguay and Mexico, as well as in maritime and port security. This has included a number of comprehensive assessments of security-related capabilities at both the national and port levels in Belize, Costa Rica and Mexico; leading national level workshops on maritime security drills and exercises in Colombia, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama and Uruguay (the latter in conjunction with the International Maritime Organization); and helping to facilitate a regional workshop and roundtable discussion among senior leadership responsible for maritime security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition, Ms. Laurie conducted public outreach and have represented the OAS at numerous national and regional maritime security-related training courses, conferences and meetings of senior decision-makers with a view towards acting as a liaise with donors and prospective donors, and building partnerships with government bodies, stakeholders and other organizations.

At the General Secretariat of the OAS, Mrs. Laurie held a variety of managerial positions, primarily focused on promoting efficiency within the Organization by optimizing processes, resources and ensuring compliance with budgetary and financial rules and regulations of the General Secretariat, its subsidiary bodies, donors and other related entities. In 2010, Ms. Laurie was appointed by the OAS General Secretary as a board member of the OAS Medical Trust Fund.

Ms. Laurie holds degree as a Public Accountant (CPA) and a certification in Forensic Accounting from Georgetown University. As well as various graduated studies related to maritime security; including, Incident Command System; and Maritime and Port Security Official from the Navy University from Mexico; Dynamics of Maritime, River and Port Drug Trafficking from Navy School “Almirante Padilla” Colombia; and Development of National Security Strategies and Maritime Transport of Goods: Key elements, contracts and insurance from the International Maritime Business School from Spain. She is fluent in Spanish and English and has over twenty years of experience working for international organizations.

Javier Franco

Co-Chairperson

Eric R. Dawicki

Co-Chairperson

Eric R. Dawicki is an internationally respected maritime expert who has demonstrated leadership and industry-wide successes in the areas of maritime transportation, safety, security, and regulatory affairs, while also leading global advancements in maritime policy, education and training, and economic development.

A Master of Public Administration recipient with Concentrations in Public Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C., President Dawicki has led a distinguished career. With more than 33 years of experience in the maritime industry, his background combines policy and practical expertise with both theoretical policy development and real-world experience. This includes serving in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and the United States Merchant Marine, holding various shipboard positions, ship management specializing in LNG tanker operations, and providing consultancy to private shipping companies, port facilities and governments around the world on domestic and international regulatory instrument compliance.

Presently serving as President of Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI), Dawicki has developed it into the first private maritime college in the history of the United States, offering Maritime Science degrees and continuing education and comprehensive digital learning programs. This includes the development of innovative online learning simulators, training and certification platforms for mariners on a global scale. NMI also serves as a direct support to entities worldwide through the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE). In addition, Mr. Dawicki concurrently serves as Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Registry, which has an international network of 28 regional offices and close to 400 vessels, many of which operate across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian and Black Sea.

President Dawicki’s additional accomplishments include membership to the United States National Maritime Security Advisory Committee during the Obama and Bush Administrations and has served as the Lead Delegate to the United Nations' International Maritime Organization representing both the United States and the Commonwealth of Dominica and was both on the Board of Governors and Executive Governor to the UN’s World Maritime University, chairing it’s thirty-year sustainability plan, which is now successfully operating.

Meetings

COPE° Webinar – Risks at sea during navigation: Safety vs. security and challenges in the Americas

Joining the Group

Are you interested in getting involved in this Working Group? Please fill out the following form to begin the application process to request participation.

Participation Interest Form

Full name

Organization name (N/A if none)

Overview of your professional experience

How did you hear about COPE?

Why would you like to participate in this group and what do you hope to bring to discussions?

Additional information (N/A if none)

By checking the box, you agree to:

I agree to respect the privacy of the individuals participating on this platform and to uphold the standards of COPE.

Best Online Casinos in Bangladesh 2024: Unlock Your Winning Potential

MCW: Revolutionizing Online Gaming

8MBets: Your Premier Sports Betting Hub

Jitabet: Experience the Thrill of Betting

Baji999: Your Premier Casino Destination

1xBet: Endless Betting Opportunities

Crickex: Bet Smart, Win Big

Crickex Login: Quick Access to Big Wins

Crickex Live: Real-Time Action, Real-Time Wins

Baji Live: Experience Live Casino Gaming

MCW: Innovating the Online Casino Scene

Babu88: Reliable Wins for Every Player

Bet365: Where Betting Meets Gaming

Jita Ace: Ace Your Casino Experience

Wicket71: Cricket Betting Like Never Before

Bhaggo: Test Your Luck for Big Wins

Babu88: The Go-To Casino for Consistent Wins

JeetWin: Winning Starts Here

JeetBuzz: The Next Big Thing in Online Casinos

Baji Live: Dive into Real-Time Gaming Excitement

Baji999: The Casino for High Payouts

Baji88: Casino Gaming at Its Best

BetVisa: Secure and Lucrative Betting

Crickex: Where Every Bet Counts

Krikya: Your Ultimate Gaming Destination

Nagad88: Big Rewards Await

MCW Casino: Leading the Casino Revolution

Casino MCW: Where Innovation Meets Fun

Babu88.com: Your Trusted Casino Platform

MCW App: Game Anytime, Anywhere

MCW Live Casino: Action in Real Time

Baji Live Login: Instant Access to Live Games

MCW Login: Secure Your Account

JeetWin App: Play on Your Terms

Six6s Login: Fast and Secure Access

Babu88 Bet: Bet with Confidence

Baji Live 365: Get in on the Action

Baji Live 555: Bet Live and Win Big

Baji Live 999: Play for Real-Time Wins

MCW Login: Stay Secure While You Play

BetVisa Login: Play Your Favorite Games

BetVisa BD: The Go-To Casino

BetVisa লগইন করুন: Secure Login

BetVisa App: Bet On the Go

Crickex লগইন: Access Your Games

Crickex Login: Fast and Easy Access

Baji888 Login: Secure Your Wins

Crickex App: Gaming on the Move

BetVisa: Bet Safely and Securely

JeetBuzz Login: Instant Access to Wins

Krikya Login: Secure Access to Your Games

Baji Login: Play Now, Win Big

MostPlay: Bet and Win Consistently

MarvelBet: Casino Gaming Redefined

Velki: Where Big Wins Happen

Six6s: Bet Smarter, Win More

Baji: Your Ticket to Success

1xBet: Your Go-To Betting Platform

1xBetc: Casino Fun Awaits

1xBetm: Bet on Mobile

1xBetma: Bet Anywhere, Anytime

1xBetmn: Secure Betting on Mobile

1xBet Login: Quick and Easy Access

1xBet App: Gaming on the Go

1xBet Download: Secure Your Games

1xBet APK: Mobile Betting Made Easy

IxBet App: Play Anytime, Anywhere

IxBet App Download: Fast and Easy Installation

1xBet Dow: Quick Access to Games

JeetBuzz.com: Your Path to Big Wins

JeetBuzz App: Bet on the Move

JeetBuzz 88: Big Wins Await

Krikya Casino: Your Gaming Haven

Krikya App: Access Games Anytime

Krikya Bet: Place Your Winning Bets

Krikya88: Your Casino of Choice

Krikiya: Unleash Your Winning Potential

Baji Live.com: Live Gaming at Its Best

Baji Live App: Gaming in Real Time

Baji Live Cricket: Play and Win