Security Regulations Coursework Example

Current Security Regulations for Air Cargo Operations
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Current Security Regulations for Air Cargo Operations
Airport security refers to the practice used to aid and protect the passengers, staff, and cargo in the airports from malicious people. Hence, aviation security is paramount in safeguarding material resources and airport personnel from unlawful interference. Unlawful interference can emanate from acts of terror, sabotage, threat and destruction of property. In particular, air cargo security comes into question because it is more susceptible to infringement. Malicious characters are more prone to commit a crime in the cargo bay or section. In fact, they are tempted to do so due to the small manning that is often allocated to the cargo bay. However, many airports all over the world are attempting to be more secure and efficient. As such, they have come up with some regulations. Precisely, these regulations on air cargo are steered towards reducing malice. Also, they are meant to streamline services, improve efficiency, and confirm the safety of the shipment and the personnel among other things that aid the cargo bay.
Air cargo operation regulations range on a vast platform. Some rules are very paramount when it comes to the safety of the cargo. Among the provisions, the following seem to be given priority: Background checks, Consolidating the private sector and extending secure areas in the airports.
Background Checks
Most are the times that cargo dwells in the cargo supply chain.

Accordingly, the bureaucracies that are in the chain of command create a loophole for unlawful activities. Due to the delay and prolonged decision-making, malicious people are likely to commit a crime. Therefore, there should be a regulation that imposes the need to use modern cargo facilities. Together with this, computerization is a necessity that cannot be left unattended to. Besides, modernization of the cargo bay is the first step towards efficiency.
Furthermore, background checks are helpful with the ease of knowing the nature and the kind of cargo being transported. The airport staffs are also able to assess and suspect shipment that may be from a mischievous individual. Zhang in his journal Air Transport Management realized that safety starts from the ground (Zhang & Zhang, 2002). He was affirmative that if the airport management authority is stern and ensure no corruption, airports will be safe. Additionally, background checks aid with information on whether cargo is perishable or not.
Consolidating the Private Sector
There is an increase in international business. Most of these are freight related and lead to the need for introducing the private sector given that, the private sector can improve the safety of air cargo security. Accordingly, personal business affects the private sector directly. Therefore, there is the need for air cargo operations to be more efficient in carrying their day to day activities. Also, the private sector increases competition with the public airlines. To edge out the competitors, they provide quality and efficient services (Zhang, 2003). By so doing, they improve the security in air cargo.
Extending Secure Areas
Extending secure areas in the airports like ramps and cargo facilities boosts air cargo safety. The use of modern technology has aided air cargo safety. As such, the screening and personal checks on the freight cargo are important. Traditionally, freight terminals are a dangerous working place. Without adequate scrutiny on the weight of the transported products, vehicles carrying heavy goods could lead to accidents. Apart from accidents, theft is another challenge at the terminals. The criminals target high-value goods. These criminals have identified the docks as their hideout points. Hence, there is need to enhance restrictions on the people who can access freight terminals. An increase in the recruitment of security personnel could also aid in reducing the risks of theft at the terminals.
The above regulations have led to improved safety in the air cargo department in many airports. However, there is always consistent neglect that is observable across the board. For instance, there is lack of accountability in the air cargo department (Murphy et al.,1989). The staff often is not responsible for the letter, and they get away with fault. As a result, whenever something goes amiss with the freight, they are not answerable. With this in mind, air cargo security detail is supposed to be properly equipped. Nevertheless, equipping the security detail ensures efficiency and reduces laxity among the staff. With these suggestions, little avenues of blame will arise thereby security is guaranteed.
Indeed, there is a lot that can be done to improve air cargo safety while making sure that the staff is accountable. First, there is a need of committing them to a Duty Rota. Thus, there is no opportunity for anyone to shift blame. Additionally, the staff should be in charge of specific freight. Here, they can specialize and by so doing correctly in the delivery of services.
Finally, it is evident that air cargo is not given the same importance as human travel. Honestly, the opposite should be the case. Both freight and human air travel are essential as it affects a range of areas that in turn affect us directly. Therefore, regulations that are in place should be keenly followed. In conclusion, international bodies and organization should be installed to oversee the implementation of these regulations.
References
Murphy et al. (1989). Improving international trade efficiency: airport and air cargo concerns.
Transportation Journal, 27-35.
Zhang, A. (2003). Analysis of an international air-cargo hub: the case of Hong Kong. Journal of
Air Transport Management, 9(2), 123-138.
Zhang, A., & Zhang, Y. (2002). Issues on liberalization of air cargo services in international
aviation. Journal of Air Transport Management, 8(5), 275-287.