Shipboard and port security may be the hottest topic in our industry.
With the approach of the July 1 deadline for compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, U.S.-flag operators and their crews along with American ports are making sure they’re ready. The vast majority of affected U.S. vessels and facilities already have submitted their respective security plans to the U.S. Coast Guard—a significant accomplishment, according to the agency’s commandant.
As with most, if not all new maritime regulations that impact shipboard procedures, proper training will be essential for Seafarers and our contracted companies. On that front, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is ahead of the game.
Working closely with SIU-contracted operators, the union and the school have developed and implemented useful courses related to maritime security. For instance, every student at the Paul Hall Center must complete a two-hour class called “general security awareness.” The course complies with requirements spelled out in both the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It is not only offered at the school in Piney Point, Md., but also has been taught by Paul Hall Center instructors aboard SIU ships.
Several other classes also deal with security. All students at the Paul Hall Center receive a government-approved anti-terrorism briefing. For many years, the school has conducted a government vessels course that includes anti-terrorism components.
Also, the Paul Hall Center offers instruction for vessel security officers, as well as security-team training which includes small-arms lessons (for those sailing aboard military-contracted ships).
Naturally, providing the most up-to-date security training is an ongoing process. With that in mind, I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming advisory board meeting next month in Piney Point, where representatives of the school, the armed forces, maritime labor, the Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration and U.S.-flag operators will thoroughly examine new security requirements and the best ways to fulfill them.
Meanwhile, the Paul Hall Center is living up to its tradition of constantly staying a step ahead of the industry’s needs.
OIF2
The U.S. Military Sealift Command didn’t exaggerate when it promised that Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2) would be the largest, fastest combat cargo movement since World War II.
Already, 60 SIU-crewed ships have mobilized for OIF2. They are helping transport an estimated 24 million square feet of cargo for U.S. troops into and out of Iraq. Counting members of our Government Services Division, more than 2,000 Seafarers are sailing in support of the mission.
Once again, I couldn’t be more proud of the way our members are upholding our legacy as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. Just as they did before and during the all-out combat phase of the war in Iraq, SIU members are answering the call in OIF2 with quiet, determined patriotism and a level of professionalism that’s second-to-none.
The OIF2 sealift is yet another great example of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s value to our national and economic security. It’s also further proof of something that’s been true since our founding in 1938: Seafarers deliver the goods.
George McCartney
Finally, I encourage all Seafarers to spend a few minutes reading about the career of our recently departed brother George McCartney, retired vice president of the union’s West Coast region.
We’ve been fortunate over the years to have had many officials and members who have gone above and beyond when it comes to promoting not just the SIU but the whole U.S. Merchant Marine. Even by that standard, George was exceptional. He found a home early on with the SIU and spent the next 50-plus years doing everything possible to strengthen our union.
That type of dedication is essential to our continued success. We all would do well to live up to the model that George provided.
Printer Friendly Page