The Cooperation for Global Maritime Security is a consortium of security research institutes, private industry, trade associations, law enforcement agencies and representatives of the international military community working to enhance security in the maritime domain.  Members work collaboratively to reduce the dangers presented by trans-national terrorism, piracy, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, smuggling and environmental hazards.  The Cooperation is not a formal alliance; rather, it is a loose alignment of people, organizations and nations working toward a goal that will benefit all who depend upon the world’s oceans for national security and economic stability.

As the world’s economies become increasingly intertwined and interdependent, the ability of nations to freely use the global commons to safely transport raw materials, manufactured goods and energy becomes more important.  Today, individual nations reliant upon this linked economic system do not have the resources or capacity to respond to existing or emerging threats in unilateral fashion.  To permit the secure transportation required for trade and assure other legitimate uses of the world’s oceans, an association of willing partners, aligned to share information about the maritime domain, operational challenges and new ideas to improve security was informally established.

The 17^th International Seapower Symposium, held in Newport, Rhode Island, USA, continued discussions revolving around increasing collaboration among navies, increasing awareness within the maritime domain, and identifying capabilities required to ensure a secure maritime environment.  The Cooperation for Global Maritime Security aims to broaden this discussion to engage additional government agencies and private enterprise – including commercial fishermen, shipping companies and law enforcement organizations – and explore the role these entities might play in enhancing maritime security at the local, regional and international level.

Reaching the objective of improved security on the high seas, in coastal regions and ports will call for significant international commitment, both from the public and private sectors.  The Cooperation for Global Maritime Security intends to build that support by providing insight to the dangers extant and highlighting the benefits of voluntary participation – formal or ad hoc – of those nations, organizations and individuals pursuing common goals, guided by common ideals.  Additionally, the Cooperation will provide a forum for the exchange of information, identification of issues common to participants, and discussion of cooperative measures or initiatives that can increase the effectiveness of response to these challenges across regional boundaries.