Maritime Port Security To Be Addressed at International WorkBoat Show

With homeland security becoming more critical in recent months, the 24th annual International WorkBoat Show, to be held November 28-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, will host a special security panel entitled "The Changed Waterfront of Maritime Port Security," as part of the event's comprehensive conference program.

The panel, to be held on Thursday, November 29, at 2 p.m., will feature experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of New Orleans, as well as fire and safety personnel addressing critical issues of port security.

"The issues discussed by this distinguished panel will have relevance to any port in the United States, and are especially critical given the heightened attention to our nation's security needs," said Michael Lodato, vice president of Diversified Business Communications Commercial Marine Division. "Our new conference program will explore recommendations that will benefit the continued prosperity of America's port system and the commercial marine industry as a whole."

Topics to be addressed during the panel discussion include: Tailoring Security to Individual Port Requirements: United States Coast Guard LCDR Jimmy Duckworth, Port Security Division, will address the Coast Guard's assessment of new security priorities and awareness, and how new Federal regulations and guidance are being adapted to meet local needs.

Strategic Planning and Preparation, River Alert Networks and Hazardous Materials Incidents: Port of New Orleans Emergency Manager Cynthia Swain will discuss the integration of existing port programs, systems and procedures into a new framework of heightened security.

Harbor Police Initiatives and Strategies: New Orleans Harbor Police Department Chief Robert Hecker will discuss post-September 11 policy improvements to help law enforcement and maritime security personnel integrate for more efficient and effective protective and emergency response networks.

Maritime Firefighting Master Contingency Plan: Captain James Stahl, president of the Mississippi Valley Trade and Transport Council, will provide an overview of the local Maritime Firefighting Committee's contingency plan for the Lower Mississippi River, adapted from the experience gained from "burning ship" contingency plans developed for the Ports of San Diego and Portland.

The panel is sponsored by the Port of New Orleans, the Propeller Club of the Port of New Orleans and the United States Coast Guard. Jim Reese, Marketing Manager Port of New Orleans, Gulf Regional V.P., Propeller Club of the United States will be the moderator.