This post covers the second session of the January 2012 meeting of the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (MMSAC). This session, on the afternoon of January 18th, had two topics: a discussion of the Certain Dangerous Cargo Security Initiative and an unscheduled agenda item on using Port Security Grant Program funds to help US vessel operators defray security upgrades for operations in high risk waters.
Strange course lines – and the reasons for charting them – are not the exclusive domain of cruise liners. The latest high-profile disaster therefore signals the beginning of a new era in shore-based oversight of mariners. And, that’s not speculation.
The first morning session of the January meeting of the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) opened with a lengthy Welcome/Farewell Address by NMSAC sponsor, short remarks by the Committee’s Executive Director, and what was labeled a discussion of requirements for vessel guards while in port. These were followed briefings/discussions of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)/Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Harmonization, Maritime Domain Awareness and Information Sharing, the long-planned “MTSA II Regulations,” and harmonization of US and Canadian maritime transportation security regimes.
Possibly the best known active lighthouse in the world.
A narrow but vital waterway.
Continuing a long history of providing astronomical and time information to the nation.
Move to shift significant part of freight moving by road and rail on to coastal shipping and inland waterway transport
A money-saving measure with important consequences
Seafarers Training Center of Panama Registry ties up with Seven Seas Navigation to conduct STCW courses and assist in issuance of their CDC / COC.
A fondly-remembered government agency