Throughout our history as a nation, the great oceans, lakes, and rivers that surround and run through the United States have been vital to our prosperity and to our security. Today, we continue to depend on these maritime highways for a global transportation system that delivers goods and materials "just in-time" to factories and stores across our country and around the world. The oceans and waterways are also critical sources of energy, minerals, food, and other natural resources, as well as favorite areas for recreation. Ships, submarines, and naval aviation remain key to our national defense.

　

 For most of our history, warfare and perils such as piracy were first on our minds when we thought of threats to maritime security. Today, however, we also face a determined and resourceful terrorist enemy who would turn the vehicles of peaceful transportation - including ships, as well as planes, trains and trucks - into deadly instruments of destruction. This enemy will attack not only naval vessels like the USS Cole, but also commercial vessels such as the M/V Limberg, a French tanker.

　

 A government has no higher duty than to protect its citizens. The President, therefore, has directed the preparation of The National Strategy for Maritime Security to "prevent the maritime domain from being used by terrorists, criminals, and hostile States to commit acts of terrorism, criminal or other unlawful or hostile acts against the United States, its people, economy, property, territory, allies, and friends." The President called for a fully coordinated United States government effort to safeguard our interests in the global maritime domain. The President required the inclusion of an International Outreach and Coordination Strategy as an integral part of the strategy, because a robust international effort is essential in achieving this objective,. As directed by the President, the International Outreach and Coordination Strategy focuses on (1) garnering international support for maritime security programs and initiatives that are central to an effective global maritime security framework and (2) enhancing international outreach efforts to ensure the security of the United States' interests in the Maritime domain.

　

 The President charged the Department of State with leading the outreach effort to build and sustain alliances within the community of nations to help achieve the goal of a more secure world. At a time when global terrorism, rogue states, international crime and weapons of mass destruction threaten the world's oceans and waterways, no one nation can accomplish this goal alone. Success will come through the hard work of a powerful coalition of nations focused on protecting the world's maritime interests. The United States has a unique responsibility and opportunity to build cooperative relationships to defeat terrorists and criminal organizations, while protecting trade and legitimate maritime activities upon which the prosperity and security of the United States and our friends around the world depend.

　

 Our own security and prosperity are best guaranteed when our international partners are also secure and prosperous. All nations benefit from effective global maritime security, and all nations must share in the responsibility of achieving this goal. With this International Outreach and Coordination Strategy as a guide, the men and women of the Department of State, in close coordination with other Departments and Agencies with authority and responsibility for maritime security, will enhance existing ties and forge new partnerships with other nations, international and regional organizations, and the private sector to improve global maritime security.

　

　

 By signing National Security Presidential Directive 41/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13 (NSPD-41/HSPD-13) President Bush underscored the importance of securing the maritime domain, which is defined as "All areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, including all maritime-related activities, infrasfructure, people, cargo, and vessels and other conveyances." NSPD-41/HSPD-13 established a Maritime Security Policy Coordinating Committee (MSPCC)-the first coordinating committee specifically tasked to address this issue-to oversee the development of a National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS) and eight supporting implementation plans:

　

 Although these plans address different aspects of maritime security, they are mutually linked and reinforce each other. Together, NSMS and its supporting plans represent the beginning of a comprehensive national effort to promote global economic stability and protect legitimate activities, while preventing hostile or illegal acts within the Maritime domain.

　

 In accordance with National Security Presidential Directive NSPD-41 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive HSPD- 13 , the Secretary of State shall lead the coordination of the United States' international maritime security outreach efforts. The Department of State's International Outreach and Coordination Strategy to Enhance Maritime Security sets forth a plan to coordinate the United States' international outreach efforts regarding maritime security initiatives and to solicit international support for an improved global maritime security framework. The International Outreach and Coordination Strategy advances the policies set forth by President Bush in The National Security Strategy, The National Strategy for Homeland Security, and The National Strategy for Maritime Security and will help to accomplish the President's vision of a fully coordinated United States Government effort to protect our interests in the maritime domain.