International Maritime Security Summit October 30 - November 1, 2002 Washington, D.C. The International Maritime Security Summit (IMSS) provides security personnel the most current critical information pertinent to maritime security from experts around the world. Hosted by Maritime Security Council (MSC), an organization devoted to security concerns of the U.S. and international maritime community, the annual meeting was held in Washington, D.C. from October 30 - November 1, 2002. MSC utilized the RAPID (Restricted Area Personnel Identification) System developed by Special Security Inc. (SSI) as the credentialing solution for the IMSS. SSI used four ID Registration and Card Generation Stations to create ID badges for over 250 Summit attendees, speakers, and Maritime Security Council Governors. Using mobile Manned Checkpoint Stations, SSI successfully provided secure access control throughout the entire three day conference. The RAPID System is portable and does not rely on a centralized database for identity verification, therefore SSI was able to mobilize checkpoint stations to provide access control to the Summit while still allowing for the easy flow of traffic. SSI was presented with a Distinguished Service Award from the MSC for their efforts in providing a successful credentialing solution. Admiral James Loy, Under Secretary for Transportation Security - Transportation Security Administration, gave the keynote address to the assembly for the opening ceremonies. Admiral Richard Bennis, Associate Under Secretary of Transportation for Maritime and Land Security-Transportation Security Administration, was a featured speaker during the Summit's award ceremony. The International Maritime Security Summit included briefings, discussions, and demonstrations by an array of experts in maritime security from government and industry. Experts discussed topics including: Seaport Access Control, Maritime Counter-terrorism; prevention from an operators perspective, Trends in Maritime Piracy & Implications on Terrorist Activity, International Ship Security (IMO Initiative), Port Vulnerability Assessments, and New Technologies.

(Photos, top to bottom-- SSI staff at the vendor booth during the IMSS; The banquet hall prior to an SSI sponsored event; Art Register, Vice President of Technology, accepting a Distinguished Service Award from the MSC; ID Registration and Card Generation Stations used to credential over 250 attendees; Mobilized Manned Checkpoint Stations located at entrance ways to the Summit.)