Year
2002
Abstract
In the wake of September 11, governments worldwide have recognized the need for a border management system that keeps pace with expanding trade while providing protection from threats of terrorist attack, illegal migration, illegal drugs, and other contraband. The application of existing nuclear safeguards technologies can be integrated into actions abroad to screen goods and people prior to their arrival in or departure from a given country. Recognizing that the goal of the Second Line of Defense (SLD) Program is to assist Russia in preventing the smuggling of nuclear material and weapons at its borders -- either by land, sea, or air -- the following paper proposes to employ material detection methods as a tripwire to notify Russian, U.S., and possibly European officials that radioactive materials (fresh or RDD types) are present in port facilities and/or onboard cargo ships. The approach is to apply radiation detection equipment in layers at each port authority and to place detectors randomly onboard cargo ships. The implementation of advanced safeguards equipment represents a more stable approach than total reliance on overworked inspectors and intelligence-gathering efforts. With the creation of material detection zones, users will have reliable opportunities to detect the presence of radioactive materials harbored in a shipping container prior to its arrival in a major port city.