What is a Target of Interest (TOI)?

• A. Pangas, Go-Fast's, PWC's, etc
• B. Large commercial cargo ships
• C. Fishing boats under 10 meters
• D. Private yachts with no security risk

Answer: (A)

A Target of Interest is a vessel type that presents a credible security threat due to its speed, size, and ability to approach critical assets quickly and covertly. In maritime security contexts, small, fast craft are prioritized because they can maneuver into restricted areas with little warning and are commonly associated with illicit activity or attacks. That’s why pangas, go-fast boats, and personal watercraft fit the concept of a TOI—they’re small, fast, agile, and capable of rapid, unpredictable movements near protected assets, making them the focus of heightened surveillance and quick response.

Larger commercial cargo ships, while high-value targets in some scenarios, are not typical TOIs in this framework because their size and slower maneuverability make them less likely to execute the rapid approach characteristics that define TOIs. Small fishing boats could raise suspicion in some contexts, but they don’t inherently represent the same targeted threat profile as fast, agile vessels. Private yachts with no security risk aren’t considered TOIs because they’re not viewed as credible, immediate threats.