Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) and Maritime
Protective Services (MPS) have recently established a collaborative
working relationship to offer maritime security education courses for
company security officers, ship security officers, and facility security
professionals. The announcement was made earlier today in conjunction
with the opening of the U.S. Maritime Security Expo at the Jacob Javits
Convention Center in New York City. As exhibitors at the Expo, MMA and
MPS will be on hand to address industry inquiries and provide details
about their joint programming.
Maine Maritime Academy, a U.S. public college established in 1941, is
recognized worldwide for its leadership and innovation in maritime
education. Maritime Protective Services, through its Total Security
Solution programs, has focused its corporate vision on the fine points
of maritime security in design and development of its series of
comprehensive port, company, and ship security programs. Together, the
agencies plan to offer security courses beginning in January 2004.
"This collaboration with MPS allows Maine Maritime to address the
security education needs of port authorities, ship operators, and ship
owners on an international basis," said Dr. John Barlow, Maine Maritime
Academy's vice president of academic affairs. "All port authorities and
ship owners and operators must meet the demands of the new International
Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS). The code, which goes into effect on
July 1, 2004, represents a formidable task for commercial shipping and
ports as they endeavor to comply with the new regulations."
According to Glenn Jackson, president of MPS, "We envision that these
courses will assist the industry by making maritime training in
seafaring security more readily accessible. We look forward to growing
with Maine Maritime Academy in this area and offering responsive
educational services as industry needs expand."
Maritime security courses will be offered through Maine Maritime
Academy's division of Continuing Education located at the college's
Castine, Maine, campus. Courses will also be available throughout the
world to clients of MPS. All students successfully completing course
requirements will receive certification
from Maine Maritime Academy for
meeting ISPS Code requirements and those of the college's continuing
education unit.