Maritime Leaders Tackle Security Issues

Maritime leaders will gather to discuss critical industry security issues in a seminar being held on May 21st in Washington DC in conjunction with National Maritime Day.  Key industry and government representatives will meet to discuss “Security and the Seafarer:  A Cautionary Tale”.  The event will be held at the National Press Club in the Holeman Room commencing at 3:00p.m. and ending at 5:00p.m.  The seminar is being presented by the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA).

“This is a timely opportunity to have both government and industry stakeholders discussing their roles and challenges in providing security for our nation and her citizens, while ensuring fundamental human rights,” stated Clay Maitland, Founding Chairman of NAMEPA.  “We anticipate a robust exchange of views, and solutions offered by all parties in the quest for answers to complex problems’”.

With Mr. Maitland as moderator, the panel will feature Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (invited); RADM Brian Salerno of the United States Coast Guard; Captain Robert Fay of International Registries, Inc; Blank Rome LLP partner Jeanne Grasso; Captain Tim Brown of Masters Mates & Pilots; Captain Anuj Chopra of Anglo-Eastern Ship Management; Jeroen Meilier of control Risks; and The Reverend James Von Dreele, Vice President of NAMMA.

The two-hour panel discussion will explore the role of government and industry in protecting the nation and the seafarer, the enforcement of regulations, the safeguarding of industry, commercial solutions and tools, a call for cooperation amongst the stakeholders, legal challenges and the human factor.  It will also address the current piracy situation off of Somalia.

In addition to the organizers, the event is also being sponsored by the American Salvage Association, Chamber of Shipping of America, Masters Mates and Pilots, Teekay Corporation and Sea Research Foundation.

Directly following the seminar will be the USCG Amver Awards Reception hosted by Fairplay Publications in an adjoining room.

Registration is required.  Interested parties may email [email protected] or call +203 255 4686.