Washington, D.C. 20573

CONTACT VERN W. HILL, DIRECTOR

BUREAU OF ENFORCEMENT AT (202) 523-5783

FOR RELEASE: February 7, 2003

            Chairman Steven R. Blust announced today that the Federal Maritime Commission is initiating a series of informational seminars to be conducted by the Commission’s Area Representatives and other Commission personnel at various locations around the country. The seminars will provide information to the industry and the shipping public with respect to the Commission’s functions and services as well as instruction regarding the regulatory obligations of providers and users of ocean liner shipping services in the U.S. foreign trades which are administered by the Commission. In inviting all to participate, Chairman Blust commented, "I am excited about the upcoming seminars and hopeful that they will foster a rich and meaningful exchange of information and views between the industry and the Commission."

            The seminars will be conducted at a different location on approximately a monthly basis. The first is to take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 in Miami, FL and the second will be in New Orleans, LA on March 19, 2003. Other locations scheduled for upcoming months include Seattle, WA, Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY. There will be no charge for the seminars, but advance notice of participation will be required in order that appropriate facilities and materials can be provided. Specific information regarding the times and locations of the seminars will be posted on the Commission’s website, www.fmc.gov, as available, and also advertised locally at the seminar cities. For Miami, please contact Eric Mintz at 305-536-5529 or ericom@fmc.gov. For New Orleans, please contact Alvin Kellogg at 504-589-6662 or alvink@fmc.gov.