Proceedings Of The Marine

SUM 2015

Proceedings magazine is a communication tool for the Coast Guard's Marine Safety & Security Council. Each quarterly magazine focuses on a specific theme of interest to the marine industry.

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The global reach and dominance of the U.S. economy is linked to our trade with other nations — trade that is dependent on a safe, secure, and resilient marine transportation system (MTS). As such, the 25,000 miles of inland, intracoastal, and coastal waterways that comprise our marine transportation system connect our nation to the world. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 99 percent of all overseas trade enters or leaves the U.S. by ship, and the MTS contributes more than $649 billion annually to the U.S. GDP. It is an economic engine that drives national prosperity. The Coast Guard plays a critical role in ensuring MTS safety, security, and eff ciency by enhanc- ing maritime situational awareness through physical and electronic aids to navigation and port management and by providing waterway resiliency and restoring capabilities after extreme natural or manmade events. The Coast Guard also works in concert with other federal agencies, state and local governments, the marine industry, maritime associations, and the international community to optimize marine transportation system use and to champion its development. In addition, the health of America's waterways is increasingly important. The forthcoming Panama Canal expansion is likely to substantially increase the volume of trade going through the U.S. ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Likewise, ferry passenger transport is expe- riencing rapid growth in response to land-based traff c congestion. Commercial f shing and mili- tary waterway use is also expected to increase in the next several years. Furthermore, dramatic growth in shale oil and liquef ed natural gas production results in new cargo that demands safe and secure transportation, particularly through our inland waterways. In addition, the Arctic Ocean has seen a steady decline of ice over the past decade, opening new shipping lanes during the late summer months. So, among the effects of the U.S. Energy Renaissance, Panama Canal development, and Arctic shipping expansion, we see new shipping routes with an increased number of larger vessels entering and departing U.S. ports and waterways. These increasing demands must be safely handled and balanced with environmental values to ensure that freight and people move eff ciently to, from, and on the MTS. The Coast Guard believes that its role in facilitating safe, eff cient, and environmentally responsible marine trans- portation system operations must be as an accelerator rather than a brake, on this economic engine. To this end, the Coast Guard, in conjunction with other governmental stakeholders and industry, will work to ensure that the United States has safe, secure, and resilient waterways that meet the needs of the 21 st century global economy. This is the decade of the waterway, and these efforts are essential to ensure our nation's water- ways and our navigation systems are ready to support an ever-evolving mix of vessel types and sizes, engaged in recreational and commercial activities. Statistics from: http://www.cmts.gov/Background/Index.aspx. 4 Proceedings Summer 2014 www.uscg.mil/proceedings Admiral Paul F. Zukunft Commandant U.S. Coast Guard The Marine Safety & Security Council of the United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Steven D. Poulin Judge Advocate General Chairman Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards Member Rear Admiral Peter J. Brown Assistant Commandant for Response Policy Member Rear Admiral Paul F. Thomas Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Member Rear Admiral Todd A. Sokalzuk Assistant Commandant for Resources, Chief Financial Off cer Member Ms. Ellen Engleman-Connors (Acting) Director for Governmental and Public Affairs Member Captain Jonathan C. Burton Director of Inspections and Compliance Member Mr. William R. Grawe Director of National Pollution Funds Center Member Mr. Gary C. Rasicot Director of Marine Transportation Systems Management Member Ms. Mary E. Landry Director of Incident Management and Preparedness Policy Member Mr. Michael W. Mumbach Executive Secretary Director's Perspective by Mr. GAry C. rASiCot Director, Marine Transportation Systems Management U.S. Coast Guard

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