MARAD
09-02
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Contact: John Swank
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Maritime
Administrator Praises Work To Improve Security, Efficiency of Marine
Transportation System
Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert today praised progress being made by an advisory group on recommendations to improve the nation's marine transportation system and enhance its security.
During a two-day session in New Orleans that concluded Tuesday, the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) endorsed the work of its SEA-21 working group and said it planned to finalize its recommendations by the end of July.
"The council wants to work on the specific language of their recommendations to make sure they are as clear and productive as possible,” said Administrator Schubert. “We certainly appreciate the efforts of all involved.”
The largest group of the draft recommendations focuses on security. They include defining jurisdictions and responsibilities, implementing landside and waterside access controls, emphasizing information systems to screen ships, and establishing international maritime security standards.
Other recommendations address:
An integrated approach to infrastructure investment, including inland waterways infrastructure improvements;
Standards for automated identification technology systems for cargo and equipment tracking;
Career promotion and job security to ensure a stable and qualified workforce;
Ballast water standards; and
Efforts to streamline the process for implementing marine transportation system projects.
The MTSNAC is a chartered, non-federal body, whose purpose is to advise the Secretary of Transportation on marine transportation system issues. Its membership is comprised of leaders from over 30 commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, recreational boating interests, academics, and environmental groups.
The nation’s marine transportation system consists of waterways, ports and intermodal landside connections, which allow the various modes of transportation to move people and goods to, from and on the water. The system includes 25,000 miles of inland, intracoastal, and coastal waterways in the United States and serves over 300 ports, with more than 3,700 terminals that handle passenger and cargo movements.
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