Boatracs, the premier provider of wireless maritime information solutions, recently participated in a
maritime security exercise co-sponsored by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Regional Maritime Security Coalition (RMSC), Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), and the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Conducted at the OEM Center in Salem, Oregon, in November 2003, the security exercise was designed to test maritime communication systems and track cargo movement along the Columbia and Snake River systems as a means of preventing potential security threats to US transportation networks.
Boatracs provided a wireless
maritime information system to demonstrate security readiness. Boatracs' onboard Mobile Communications Terminal (MCT) automatically transmitted vessel position data to shore operations every 15 minutes, providing an essential communications link with vessels in remote areas that lack cellular coverage. In addition to tracking cargo and crew throughout the journey, Boatracs' MCT included a “panic button” feature for sending instant alerts of suspected terrorist activity.
Strong participation spanning over 40 different organizations from the workboat industry, state, and federal governments, helped make the exercise a success. In the process of understanding Boatracs' ability to satisfy the security objectives, attendees learned about and experienced some of the challenges of maintaining the safety and security along the Columbia and Snake
River transportation systems.
To help ensure the safety, security, and continued flow of commerce in the
Pacific Northwest, the RMSC's mission is establishing a coordinated system of communication and cooperation among public and private-sector partners and related ports in the Columbia/Snake River region. “As the leader in providing reliable communication systems for our nation's waterways, Boatracs is proud to join the RMSC by demonstrating that these proven solutions can support our nation's security objectives,” says Boatracs Chief Operating Officer Roland Melzer.