The development of an effective training program begins with a needs assessment, which analyzes the operating environment, the most likely threat, the high-value assets to be protected, and the vulnerabilities of the ship or port. This assessment helps planners detail routine and emergency procedures to prevent attack or minimize injury and damage in the event of an incident. A sample 2-day training curriculum might cover threat awareness, bomb-threat handling, bomb search, access control/screening techniques, recovery and processing of refugees at sea, emergency/duress communications, hostage situation management, using the ship's security plan, and assessing the threat during a cruise. Special measures for defense should be taught regarding pirates, underwater swimmers, and small boats. For ships with arms aboard, training and certification are required for both safety and potential liability. A significant deficiency in the International Maritime Organization's security recommendations is the absence of provision for security exercises and drills. The maintenance of proficiency requires such drills.