Port security is one of the nation’s most pressing homeland security challenges, and BENS has the capability to effect positive change on this issue. BENS has established itself as an objective and credible organization that can solicit representative private sector input on maritime security. In 2005, BENS was the only organization that was officially tasked by the Coast Guard, at the request of the National Security Council (NSC), to solicit private-sector input on the draft of the National Strategy for Maritime Security. BENS subsequently convened three working groups of maritime security stakeholders and, based on their proceedings, drafted a report of recommendations that was submitted to the Coast Guard and presented to the National Security Council. All of the recommendations were incorporated into the final version of the National Strategy for Maritime Security.
BENS plans to continue its work with the Coast Guard and other partners to explore ways that the business community can improve security at the nation’s ports.
