Corporate Experience
I assumed the duties as the Director of Security for Princess Cruises in July, 2003 after serving on active duty with the U.S. Naval Reserve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. The job of Security Director came with enormous responsibilities for organizing and re-writing the Vessel Security Plans to conform with the new International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Codes that took effect in July of 2004. An individual plan had to be written and approved by the respective flag states for the entire fleet of ships of Princess, Cunard, P&O Cruises Australia, and Sea bourn Yachts. Additionally, because these ships operated in U.S. waters, the plans had to be compliant with the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
As the Director of Security for Princess Cruises and Cunard Lines, I held many liaison duties which included serving on the Security Council of the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), a lobbying organization made up of the Directors of Security for the various Passenger Cruise Lines. The meetings included a multi-agency interface with U.S. government intelligence and law enforcement agencies such as the USCG, ICE, DOD, TSA, State Department (OSAC), FBI and others. This group met bi-monthly at the ICCL offices in Washington D.C. I maintained regular contact with these representatives and kept up professional discourse on threats, maritime regulation, and security practices. I also had close contacts with the U.S. State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Committee (OSAC) and was nominated to serve on the executive committee.
Princess is very proactive in its approach to security and the protection of personnel and resources. I launched several security initiatives to enhance the physical protection of the fleets and to improve the security information flow. I implemented and mandated moveable metal security barriers for each ship to protect pier-side approaches to the pier. They were developed by a reputable Middle East security Company and could be easily deployed and were very capable of stopping speeding vehicle up to and including SUVS and vans. Additionally, to enhance waterside security, I initiated a new acoustical device for all ships that provides standoff verbal and warning capabilities. This device was tested successfully on the Queen Mary 2 and deployed with her during her berth at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the port of Piraeus , Greece . Finally, to manage information, I helped develop a security database that contains port audits for over 450 ports of call. The database linked security information, MARSEC level changes, ISPS information and ship security records. I was responsible for launching a daily threat briefing produced from various commercial and governmental security sources and contacts. These threat summaries helped me make risk assessment decisions and advise management of possible port cancellations.
