The Short Sea Shipping initiative (SSS) and how it potentially will be impacted by ongoing maritime security practices took center stage of the agenda Oct. 7-8 during the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) Conference at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.
Principal speakers during the program’s packed slate included U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert; Rear Adm. Thomas H. Gilmour, assistant commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard; and Raymond Barberesi of the U.S. Maritime Administration.SIU President Michael Sacco also was featured on the agenda. On day one of the program, he welcomed conference attendees to the Paul Hall Center on the occasion of their 10th anniversary meeting and congratulated the entire SOCP for its success in promoting a strong U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
“As the name of your organization indicates,” President Sacco said, “cooperation throughout our industry is key. We’re all in this together.”
Speaking specifically about the conference site and providing some background about its reputation, Sacco noted, “The Paul Hall Center is recognized as a model of labor-management cooperation. It (the school) is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when we work together…a great place for people to begin their careers as merchant mariners.”
In addition to providing entry-level training for merchant mariners, Sacco told conference attendees that the school is a hub where mariners can return to hone and expand their skills. “The school also is designed for continued vocational training, so students can come back and advance all the way from the entry ratings to becoming officers,” Sacco pointed out. “And we offer academic support, too. Students can earn a GED here at Piney Point…and receive college credits for many of our vocational classes, which are part of our degree-granting status for an Associate of Arts degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering.”
Barberesi provided a detailed explanation on current and future cooperative efforts involving SSS, which aims to encourage cargo movements by water. After noting that the initiative became a focal point after Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta assumed his post, Barberesi told those in attendance that the SSS, which will increase water transportation while also easing truck highway congestion, also will:
- Result in lower surface transportation improvements and maintenance costs,
- Reduce the amount of hazardous materials moving on the nation’s surface system,
- Improve the overall security and safety of the nation’s transportation system and
- Create industry opportunities through the Jones Act and cabotage laws.
Barberesi also stressed the importance of international cooperation, noting the necessity of working closely with the Canadian, Mexican and European communities.
During a question and answer session following his presentation, Barberesi was asked how new and possibly confusing and/or conflicting SSS licensing requirements and federal regulations will be handled. His response was that he was not expecting anything different from what we currently do. “I don’t think short sea shipping will necessitate the need for any new licensing or regulations.”
On this issue of whether or not the trucking industry is opposing SSS, Barberesi said dialogue is the key. He noted that the more discussion that takes place, the more concerned parties would realize that the initiative would complement truckers’ interests.
Admiral Gilmour addressed the impact of maritime security on SSS during his remarks and noted that “Safety and security are two sides of the same coin.” The admiral said numerous situations have presented themselves since 9/11 in which the Coast Guard had to make determinations whether issues were related to possible terrorist activities or safety concerns.
“Ports and maritime are both valuable and vulnerable to terrorists attack,” he said while emphasizing that maritime security must be a global effort. Gilmour said it was critical that the Coast Guard continue its practices of dual inspections, which address both safety and security. “The task is daunting; failure is not an option,” he said.
The admiral concluded his presentation by highlighting efforts to combat marine invasive species as well as current work on ballast water standards.
Captain Schubert reaffirmed his commitment to the continued success of the SCOP and making SSS a reality. “While the Department of Transportation serves the nation as an advocate of safety and pioneers in transportation,” he said, “the SCOP plays an integral role in assisting DOT to improve the competitiveness of U.S. vessel operation. This in turn, leads to a more productive transportation network overall.”
Schubert emphasized the importance of educating the nation’s youth about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the U.S. and outlined programs which his agency — along with the Departments of Labor and Education — are developing that are geared toward initiating merchant marine vocational training programs.
“Within the Maritime Administration, with help from the U.S. Coast Guard, other federal agencies and the industry, I see programs developing that show much promise for serving the maritime community,” he said.
At the top of the list, Schubert said, are workforce development and the Maritime Career initiatives that are either currently in the works or have been implemented over the past few years.
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