Thirty-year marine industry veteran John R. Hotz has accepted the position as the Assistant Director at the National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA), which together with its International Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (IMLEA) provides education, consulting services, resources and training for law enforcement officers, public safety professionals, military members, ports and waterside critical infrastructure personnel.
Following a vision and leadership of Admiral Siler, a former U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, the not for profit NMLEA was established in 2000 to fill a capabilities gap that continues to effect law enforcement and emergency response operations on the water all across America.
NMLEA has offices in Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee, Fla. Through a catalog of exportable tactical, rescue, and operational courses, an online PortTraining Program, various port vulnerability and risk assessments, exercises, and security consultation, the academy staff has provided over 15,000 officers and maritime professionals with tools that help to enhance the safety and security of America’s waterways.
“We’re a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the maritime law enforcement community ‘Strength through Knowledge,’” said Rob Wells, the Chairman of the NMLEA Board of Directors. “And the IMLEA was formed in 2012 to meet the growing needs of our international law enforcement, coast guard and military partners.”
“John has spent his entire career as a steadfast consumer advocate while serving as a consultant and in executive management with many of the iconic companies that service our first responder needs such as SAFE Boats International, Boston Whaler, Donzi Marine and First Watch Safety Gear,” Wells said.
“We are in exciting yet very challenging times,” Hotz said. “All aspects of our country’s resources are being stretched, while on-the-water responsibilities increase. The NMLEA offers an extremely valuable service which bridges the significant communication gap between operators, industry and government. My goal, and the goal of the Academy, is to ultimately provide cost effective solutions to agencies and companies alike.”