The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) tackled a wide range of security-related issues at its recent forum in Greensboro, N.C., and the maritime industry got its share of attention.SIU President Michael Sacco served on the maritime panel, headed by the chief of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Rear Adm. David Brewer. Also appearing on the panel were U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert; Bethann Rooney, manager of port security for the Port of New York & New Jersey; Raymond Ebeling, president and chairman, American Roll-on Roll-off Carriers; and John Reinhart, CEO of Maersk Line, Ltd.
The 56th annual forum—with the theme “Transportation Security—Global Changes, Challenges and Solutions”—took place Sept. 29-Oct. 2. It featured high-ranking officials from throughout all sectors of the nation’s transportation industries.
The forum’s sponsor is a non-profit educational association organized in 1944 and dedicated to Defense Transportation preparedness.
Sacco told the audience about some of the security concerns shared by maritime labor; steps that the unions have taken to improve security; and some additional possible solutions. He emphasized the need for a reliable means of verifying identities of foreign mariners arriving at U.S. ports. He also noted the recent lack of consistency from port to port, both within the U.S. and internationally, in enforcing security measures—and specifically in the treatment of crews.
For example, Sacco pointed out that by some estimates, 20 percent of the private oil terminals in Houston have denied leave to crews, including those from U.S.-flag ships. Some ports also at least occasionally have barred crew changes.
“Obviously, no one is arguing against being cautious,” Sacco told the forum. “The problem is consistency.”
He described the anti-terrorism training received by every student at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (based in Piney Point, Md.) as well as other security-related courses offered at the school, such as damage control and CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense).
In summary, he stated, “The SIU and the other unions are extremely committed to working with the NDTA, MSC, the Maritime Administration, the Coast Guard, the Office of Homeland Security, the numerous international organizations including the IMO and ILO, the ports and the shipping companies to improve and ensure maritime security. We will do whatever it takes.”
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