Industry and Public Sector Cooperation for Information Sharing Ports of Puget Sound

Abstract

This report presents the findings of the Maritime Information Sharing Taskforce (MIST) research effort for the Washington State Puget Sound ports. Using a participatory design approach, the researchers partnered with federal and commercial stakeholders to assess the information sharing needs of security personnel in this port region. The research design included an issues workshop, field studies of port personnel, and local networking events. The findings indicate the need for increased interagency collaboration in maritime domain awareness (MDA) and highlight local recommended practices and incentives for information sharing with the private sector. In addition, we gathered usability data on two federal policies/programs. The Maritime Information Sharing Taskforce (MIST) is an interagency effort to capture best practices in information sharing, create a structure for collaborative problem solving, and convey unique local issues to national policy makers. The MIST team is led by the Maritime Defense and Security Research Program (MDSRP) at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in partnership with several federal agencies: the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the Office of Global Maritime Situational Awareness (OGMSA), Global Maritime and Air Intelligence Integration (GMAII), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS). The MIST process consists of a series of activities that are designed to help us surface issues important to private sector shipping. Each local event builds upon lessons learned from earlier events and invites participants to join in on the design of specific activities.