Coast Guard and HAL Co-Produce Training Cd-Rom

Cruise ships operating in Southeast Alaska now have access to an interactive training CD-ROM detailing Coast Guard regulations and procedures in the region. The release of the CD marks the first time that a comprehensive resource of this kind has been made available in a repeatable and professional format that cruise ship officers may access at their own pace.

Created through collaboration between United States Coast Guard Sector Juneau and Holland America Line, the course is designed to educate cruise ship personnel about regulations enforced by the Coast Guard. "We are grateful to Holland America Line for their commitment and help on this project," said Captain Mark Guillory, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Juneau. "We partner with industry to both protect the public and the environment and also to promote efficient commerce to support the economy of Southeast Alaska. Our hope is that officers and crew members actively involved in these regulatory activities will find this training tool helpful." Holland America Line provided professional technology, design expertise, and extensive operating experience in Southeast Alaska to help package the Coast Guard's content into this interactive online course. "We were very happy to help the Coast Guard deliver this message as part of our ongoing corporate social responsibility in Alaska," said Rene Roussel, vice president, nautical and compliance, Holland America Line. The CD-ROM leads users through six separate modules illustrated with graphics and photos. "Quick Check" questions pop up during the course to verify retention of key points. Topics covered include: port state control boardings, advanced notices of arrival, mandatory incident reporting, maritime security, tender operations, and Alaska wastewater regulations. The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing a variety of US and International regulations designed to protect both people and the environment. Sector Juneau is distributing complimentary copies of the CD to masters of all cruise ships operating in Southeast Alaska. Additional copies may be requested from Sector Juneau or downloaded from Sector Juneau's website, http://homeport.uscg.mil/juneau.

Holland America Line has a track record of collaborating with other companies and organizations on issues important to the maritime community such as the award-winning "Avoiding Whale Strikes" computer based training program. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service recognized the company's leadership and commitment to the conservation of whales in June 2006 with a Conservation Partnership Award.