Port / Cargo Shipping




Protecting International Commerce

With thousands of shipping containers, automobiles, and other cargo from overseas suppliers being offloaded daily, maritime commercial facilities present a complex security challenge. Site administrators must facilitate the nearly constant movement of local transportation workers on and off port installations, which can house acres of lay down area, multiple piers, and on-dock rail lines. Further compounding security concerns, seaports are also border entry points for foreign ship workers.

Using sophisticated access control technology, the StarWatch™ SMS platform protects personnel and cargo-handling infrastructure via the optimization of credential management procedures. In a typical configuration, guards stationed at multiple entry control points use wireless mobile devices to scan ID cards as people enter and exit port zones. StarWatch instantly indicates whether a card is valid for entry at a location, while automatically logging where and when specific individuals have been processed. System operators can easily track the movement of individuals and create customized, multi-layer reports displaying access control events and trends.




System Features

  • Efficiently processes high volume traffic, with provisions for both on-site personnel and visitors
  • Customized reporting and instant notification of system events
  • Full integration with TWICs and other credential program requirements
  • Open architecture design enables interface with intrusion detection and video surveillance devices
  • Expandable to multi-port, Enterprise-class operations



Full Interface with TWIC Credentials

Critical to port requirements, StarWatch also provides a seamless interface to the transportation workers identification credential (TWIC) program. This security measure was established by Congress to ensure that unauthorized individuals do not gain unescorted access to the nation’s maritime transportation systems.

As personnel arrive at a TWIC-enabled facility, they must provide their assigned tamper-resistant, biometric credential card, which is presented to a reader and validated via an external database. Verification is accomplished through an accredited validation platform, ensuring that credentials and cardholders are a direct match through PIN entry and encoded biometric information.




Technology and Database Integration

StarWatch systems can easily be expanded to protect port operations with any combination of connected security devices. An open architecture approach allows for the seamless incorporation of 3rd-party technology suites, including video management, perimeter intrusion detection, CBRN threat management, and gate operations complete with lane peripherals. Data received from devices is made intelligent using powerful configuration algorithms that directly connect to streaming video, notification and analysis packages, and automated e-mail operations.

StarWatch is also capable of interfacing with standardized information, including passport and driver’s license numbers, terrorist watch lists, and other U.S. Customs and Border Protection databases. In a full Enterprise-class system, multiple ports can be linked to a command and control facility, creating a centralized security environment.







To explore how DAQ can define and deliver cost-effective solutions for your port security application, please contact our offices. We are standing by to help secure your facilities. Please note that in recognizing the critical nature of your security concerns, DAQ maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of project discussion, planning, engineering, and installation.




Document Links



Port Applications

Description: printable .pdf version of port applications overview
click to download






Integrated Software Components

StarWatch combines typically distinct security functions into a cohesive management system, all operating under a single user interface with common databases. This fusion of information allows each activity, event, and response to be informed by the current condition of every sensor, portal, camera, and third-party device connected to the system.
















Related Products

The StarWatch product portfolio includes a proven line of software and devices that allow users to maintain comprehensive situational awareness across all entry points, surveillance zones, and perimeters.