Maritime Domain Awareness and Maritime Fusion Centers   [open pdf - 347KB]

From the Document: "Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is a collective term that embraces all activities associated with gaining deeper insight and understanding into the global maritime domain. Most MDA programs have the following three aims at their core: 1) early threat detection and resolution; 2) provision of decision support for a broad spectrum of threats; and 3) monitoring adherence to international laws to ensure freedom of navigation and the efficient flow of commerce. Achieving these aims necessitates a high degree of situational awareness that is only possible through collaboration with allies and partner nations, international agencies, IO/NGOs, [International Organizations/ Non-Governmental Organizations] and the private sector in the sharing of information, the coordination of activities, and the development of expertise."