ABSTRACT
Essential to all efforts by states to protect against threats to their maritime security is knowledge about what is happening in their waters and who is undertaking those activities. It is readily apparent that intelligence provides a vital tool in maritime interception operations and other naval activities during times of war.1
In protecting maritime security following 11 September 2001 there is also a great need for accurate and reliable information to undertake counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation activities as well as respond to other threats to maritime security. The policy of maritime domain awareness underscores the recognition of information as a vital element of efforts addressing maritime security.2
