The California Maritime Academy Department of Sponsored Projects and Extended Learning (SPEL) has received a federal Homeland Security grant of $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administered through the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). The funds will support curriculum development and delivery of DHS-approved training courses to California emergency responders and maritime industry professionals. The courses will be delivered tuition-free to qualified residents of the state, or individuals employed by MTSA-regulated entities within the state for.
SPEL will deliver the First Responder Operational Maritime Security (FROMS) Course up to six times at various locations throughout the state. The training is designed for First Response personnel who may respond to incidents on vessels or facilities regulated under the Maritime Security Transportation Act of 2002.
SPEL will also deliver its Combined Company, Vessel, and Facility Security Course up to six times at various locations throughout the state. The target audience is prospective or designated Company, Facility, or Vessel Security Officer (CSO, FSO, or VSO) personnel. This course qualifies licensed mariners for their VSO endorsements as required by 33 CFR 104.215(d).
Another portion of the grant will underwrite SPEL development and delivery of an Advanced Vessel Security Course designed to teach skills needed to survive a vessel terrorist or piracy incident. SPEL plans to deliver the course in Humboldt, San Diego, Los Angeles/Long Beach and at its Vallejo campus. It will serve individuals designated as Facility Security Officers or holding Merchant Mariner Credentials with VSO Endorsement.
Finally, SPEL will facilitate and document the development of a statewide curriculum plan for land-based firefighters and aquatic rescue personnel who respond to fires and incidents aboard vessels, both inshore and offshore. Working directly with California State Fire Training, members of the California Surf Lifesaving Association, fire departments and marine operators, Cal Maritime will identify the curriculum elements of a comprehensive marine firefighting response and aquatic rescue program. Program components will include but not be limited to vessel familiarization, training considerations, pre-incident planning, and special hazards encountered by land-based firefighters to extinguish vessel fires safely, and efficient execution of rescue/fire response vessel operations.
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