October 18-19, 2001
Port of Baltimore, World Trade Center
Council Members and Alternates Present
Chuck Raymond, Chair---United States Maritime Alliance---Member
Frank Sims, Vice Chair---North American Export Grain Association---Member
Frank Pecquex---AFL-CIO Marine Trades Department---Member
Rick Gimello---Am. Association of State Highway &Transportation Officials---Alternate
Bernie Groseclose---American Association of Port Authorities---Member
Steve Pfeiffer---American Great Lakes Port Association---Member
Capt. Michael Watson---American Pilots’ Association---Member
Amy Brandt---American Waterways Operators---Alternate
John Wetzel---Association of American Railroads---Alternate
Robert Nelson---Boat Owners Association of the U.S. (BOAT US)---Member
Joe Cox---Chamber of Shipping of America---Alternate
Gwen Harris---Gale Conference of Minority Transportation Officials---Member
Mark Sickles---Dredging Contractors of America---Alternate
James McCarville---Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals---Member
Tina Casgar---Intermodal Association of North America---Alternate
Terri Mast---International Longshore and Warehouse Union---Member
Jonathan Benner---INTERTANKO---Alternate
Hank Marcus---MIT Center for Transportation Studies---Member
Rene Mansho---National Association of Counties---Member
Peggy Tadej---National Association of Regional Councils---Alternate
Chuck Carroll---National Association of Waterfront Employers---Alternate
Looman Stingo---National Industrial Transportation League---Member
Gary Dadisman---National Mining Association---Alternate
David Hoskins---The Ocean Conservancy---Alternate
Craig Epperson---Pacific Maritime Association---Alternate
Darrell Bryan---Passenger Vessel Association---Member
Ed Mortimer---U.S. Chamber of Commerce---Alternate
Bruce Carlton---MARAD
Raymond Barberesi---MARAD
Maggie Blum---MARAD
Secretary Mineta entered the room escorted by MTSNAC Chairman, Chuck Raymond.
Chuck Raymond led the pledge of allegiance, called the MTSNAC meeting to order and made a few preliminary remarks concerning the progress the council has made to date. In addition, he stated that water was no longer the invisible mode in this nation’s transportation system but a full-partner in a multi-modal approach to the entire system. He highlighted the key issues that the council will be addressing in the future and informed the council that he had testified before a congressional subcommittee on the issue of system congestion. He also indicated that Senator Breaux would be pursuing this issue in a series of hearings to commence this fall.
The Chair noted the words of Secretary Mineta delivered at the MTSNAC meeting in May at Kings Point:
“Our marine transportation system is an indispensable component of our multi-modal transportation network, providing a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally safe mode of passenger delivery. And the MTS has a critical role to play in helping to close the overall gap between growing transportation demand and the capacity of our transportation system.”
He quoted the Secretary as stating that water is the smart growth solution to congestion problems. Thus, the Chair introduced the theme of this MTSNAC meeting--SEA-21 and federal funding to ensure the competitiveness of the marine transportation system. He urged the council to consider certain components for a SEA-21 proposal: intermodal connectors, coastal shipping, a solution to the Harbor Maintenance Tax controversy, and research and technology funding.
In addition, the Chair noted the accomplishments of Susan Lee and the fine work she has done of the MTSNAC website.
In reminding the council of the important work ahead, he urged the group to think outside the box for creative solutions to MTS challenges. He noted that Secretary Mineta has stated that the MTS is an indispensable component that plays a critical role in this nation’s economy. He further noted that the Secretary has been credited for coining the phrase “SEA-21” as a rallying point for marine transportation system-based infrastructure legislation. The Secretary’s interest in water as a smart growth solution has been well documented.
Furthermore, Chuck Raymond thanked the Secretary for his unyielding support for MTS issues as well as for his knowledge and understanding of these issues. He then extolled the Secretary’s courageous decision to ground domestic air transportation on September 11th and called Secretary Mineta a “genuine hero.”
The Secretary thanked Chuck Raymond for his kind introduction and remarked that his decision to ground the 4,800 planes in the air was made easy by the combined abilities of the FAA and air traffic controllers. He noted that the skill of those professionals brought the aircraft down safely in 1 hour and 58 minutes--a remarkable feat.
He thanked the MTSNAC for their ongoing efforts on behalf of the nation’s MTS and stated that he would continue to rely on the council’s advice. The Secretary proceeded to deliver his address (the full text of which has been published on the Department of Transportation website).
The Secretary remarked on legislative efforts in the area of seaport security and noted that the MTSNAC Security Team met that morning. He requested input on security issues from the council.
After thanking Secretary Mineta for his remarks, Chuck Raymond noted that the council is aware of its mission on behalf of the MTS and the country’s need for seaport security. He stated that what the council will recommend will be well thought out and will consider the economic viability of the system. At that point, council members were asked to re-introduce themselves to the Secretary.
After introductions, the Chair opened the floor for questions to the Secretary.
Question: The Secretary was asked about his opinion of the Hollings bill on Port and Maritime Security.
The department has not yet articulated a policy
· Looking for a framework for the department’s policy
Hoping to come to some agreement on significant issues
Question: James McCarville of the Port of Pittsburgh asked about the status of SEA-21.
Secretary’s Response
He was continuing to keep it on the agenda
Still working on that within the department
No conclusions yet about input
Interests involved in port setting
Hoping to deal with it by congressional adjournment unless elements of it may be placed in existing legislation
Security is the current major focus
Chuck Raymond commented that the council would be responding to the Secretary’s needs. To further that end, a two-day working group of the MTSNAC Team Leaders has been convened to ensure that the council can have recommendations to the Secretary in early to mid-December. Ray Barberesi was asked to give a presentation on SEA-21 that introduced the key elements identified as necessary for such legislation in previous council documents and working groups. Key elements were listed as: System Capacity; Congestion; Intermodal Connectors; Port Channels; Locks and Dams; Skilled Workforce; Technology and Research; Information Systems; Security; and the Environment.
After the presentation, the Chair announced a break and the Secretary left the meeting.
After the break, the meeting was reconvened and the Chair thanked Dr. Gwen Harris-Gayle and Cynthia Burman of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials for their kind assistance in planning the meeting. In addition, the Chair recognized the efforts of the Cynthia Burman and the Maryland Port Administration for so graciously hosting the evening reception. He further remarked on the attractive features of the Port of Baltimore that make it a very attractive port for doing business and an excellent showcase for the council.
The Chair then turned the attention of the council to the pressing issue of the day that is security. He noted the efforts of Senator Hollings and Senator Edwards and indicated that it will be imperative to know which individuals have access to secured areas; who is present on a facility; and how existing information can assist in enhancing security. How this effort will be funded will be an important issue as well as maintaining productivity. He stated that there should be a focus on people—vessel crew members and terminal employees which might entail some form of background investigations. However, the key issue is the cargo itself—Do we know what is coming in the boxes? The Chair stated that legislation such as the Hollings Bill would provide a start in achieving more efficient ways of profiling cargo to detect anomalies. In addition, funds must be appropriated for the United States Customs Service and the Automated Commercial Environment program.
Jim McCarville raised security issues of concern to inland operators. He noted that much of the resources go to the Coast Guard but there are security issues at inland ports as well. Terri Mast questioned the motives of legislation and asked: What are we looking for? and What happens when we find it? Rene Mansho stated that increased security mandates without federal funding would bring hardships on the private sector. Joe Cox remarked that seaport security cannot be broad policy but must be specific.
Chuck Carroll asked Bruce Carlton about the Maritime Direct Action Group (MDAG) that was mentioned by Secretary Mineta in his address to the council. Bruce Carlton indicated that this was one of several emergency response groups created as a result of September 11th to provide immediate advice on security issues to the Secretary. The MDAG has representatives from a wide cross section of agencies and stakeholders including MARAD, the Coast Guard and Office of Homeland Security. The group is tasked with bringing their expertise into bear as it applies to making the marine transportation more secure. Bruce Carlton further noted that the MTSNAC’s work is very important in this process as well.
Carol Lambos asked for a motion to approve the Security Team’s April 26, 2001 minutes. Chuck Carroll moved and Chuck Raymond seconded. The minutes were approved. She then discussed what transpired at the Security Team meeting held that morning. Carol noted that as a result of the events of September 11th , there has been a significance surge in the interest in the work of the Security Team and that anyone interested in participating with the Team was welcome to do so.
She remarked on the Team’s efforts to interface with the ICMTS Security Team and noted that the last contact had been on September 10th and it was not anticipated that any government people would be available in the very near term to discuss MTSNAC and ICMTS interface.
Carol indicated that much of the discussion at the Team meeting centered around the Hollings Bill and the difficulties in trying to articulate a position on a bill that is constantly changing. She also indicated that the Team would respond to the Secretary’s request for a position paper on the Hollings Bill and seaport security issues.
She then reviewed the Team’s draft assumptions that were to form the basis of the position paper that introduced the following threshold question: What is a reasonable and reliable security system for employees, truck drivers, and other invitees of a marine terminal that should be incorporated into a federal seaport security statute? In addition, she reviewed the six points that had been previously introduced as significant to the process; 1) The war on terrorism and drugs is a federal law enforcement issue; 2) Security must be looked at on a port by port basis; 3) No mandates or requirements without federal funding; 4) No concurrent regulations; 5) Flexibility; 6) Truck Driver Identification. All participants were asked for comments on the draft position paper.
A discussion ensued and the Team was again authorized to prepare a report for submission to the full MTSNAC in anticipation of presentation to the Secretary.
Lastly, Carol announced that the next Security Team meeting would be held at the DOT Building on October 25th.
Jeff High of the U.S. Coast Guard reported on ICMTS activities in general and the MTSNAC request for a needs-based assessment of the MTS. He discussed the parameters of the Statement of Work for the project.
Chuck Raymond invited Mrs. Helen Bentley to address the council and made brief remarks about her illustrious career and considerable accomplishments. It was noted that Mrs. Bentley started her career as a reporter for the Baltimore Post, worked at the Federal Maritime Commission and spent years in Congress. Her current duties involve being an advocate for the Port of Baltimore that was the theme of her address to the council.
Ms. Bentley gave an informative talk on the Port of Baltimore that she called the Port that built a city. The numerous commodities that arrived and depart the port were noted as well as the 50-foot depth of its channel.
After Mrs. Bentley’s address the meeting was adjourned until the next morning.
Chuck Raymond reconvened the meeting and thanked Barry Michaels of the Union Pacific Railroad for sponsoring breakfast. In addition, the Chair also thanked Admiral Roger Rufe and the Ocean Conservancy for sponsoring the coffee breaks.
On behalf of MARAD, Raymond Barberesi provided a report on the disposition of the thirteen resolutions from the last meeting.
Carol Lambos was asked to review the minutes from the May MTSNAC meeting. Discussion of the minutes was invited. David Hoskins indicated that a comment attributed to Richard du Moulin the representative from Intertanko appeared inaccurate. Carol Lambos offered to contact Mr. du Moulin for a clarification. Rene Mansho made a motion to approve the May meeting minutes with the clarification from Mr. du Moulin. Looman Stingo seconded the motion and the minutes were approved with the anticipated clarification.
Chuck Carroll reported that the team met on three occasions. He asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the Team’s approved June 20, 2001 and July 16, 2001 meetings. James McCarville moved that the minutes be approved, Frank Sims seconded and the motion was passed.
He then introduced a working draft document created by the team to address critical features of a SEA-21 Trust Fund. He acknowledged the contributions of Jim McCarville, Jean Godwin, Joe Cox and John Doyle in the preparation of the document. The salient points of the paper included:
· a statement that a SEA-21 Trust Fund should be financed from existing revenues and not lead to or result in the creation of new user fees or taxes; and
· SEA-21 revenue sources need to be dedicated to specific spending programs.
A discussion of the specifics of the paper ensued. Mark Sickles questioned whether there was a political reality of using Customs revenues for dredging projects. Chuck Carroll responded that he has been informed that Senator Breaux intends to do just that to ensure that the $22 billion contributed to the general revenues by the maritime industry is more equitably distributed. Hank Marcus remarked that the needs based study should be done as soon as possible.
Maggie Blum addressed the issue of the needs based assessment and stated that the government cannot act as quickly as it would like to. However, the department is looking for money to fund it. Margie Hegy opined on the process as well. That the department recognized the urgency and that it is a necessary document for potential SEA-21 legislation. She believed that once the details are decided, that the project would be completed within six months. Chuck Carroll indicated that six months seemed reasonable even if Senator Breaux acted immediately.
Rene Mansho noted that there is a high urgency especially in light of the anticipated need for security enhancements. Chuck Carroll noted that if and when a security bill moves the loans and grants provisions will not adequately fund anticipated security needs.
John Wetzel noted that the railroads would be opposed to using railroad funds such as the 4.3 cent fuel tax for SEA-21 initiatives. Moreover, the railroads would be opposed to utilizing general revenues to encourage water commerce at the expense of the railroads. The Chair responded to this comment by noting that SEA-21 and the encouragement of water transportation is not intended to be to the detriment of railroads but to address capacity as an adjunct to rail service.
After considerable discussion on the merits of the paper, the Chair suggested that the team take comments and suggestions and re-draft the paper for submission to the council. The members of the council were encouraged to get their comments to Chuck Carroll.
INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM RESOLUTION 1: The Infrastructure Team will re-draft its SEA-21 paper incorporating appropriate comments submitted and present it to the full council for a vote at the next full council meeting.
Jim McCarville moved that this resolution be adopted. Rene Mansho seconded and the resolution was passed.
The Awareness Team last met in May at Kings Point. As such, the Team has not had the opportunity to approve the minutes from that meeting and will do so at the Team’s next meeting. The Team’s scheduled meeting for September had to be cancelled.
The White Paper has been circulated and has generated numerous favorable comments.
The Human Resources Team had it first meeting during the May meeting at Kings Point. The Team met on October 18, 2001 as well. They are looking at recruitment, training and security as key areas. He noted that other groups have asked to work with the Team such as the Seafarer Recruitment and Retention Group. Maggie Blum indicated that issues might arise with such an arrangement if divergent issues or agendas emerge and as such the sponsor might have issues with such arrangements. The MTSNAC is supposed to act independently of other groups. Capt. Watson noted that he does not want to send conflicting messages to the Secretary but would like to understand what other groups are doing in the same area. There was general consensus that working with other groups would be permissible as long as the MTSNAC product is ultimately the Team’s product.
HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM RESOLUTION 1: That the MTSNAC authorize the Human Resource Team to approach the leader of the Seafarer Recruitment and Retention Group to seek to coordinate certain efforts for the betterment of the maritime community.
Rene Mansho seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Chuck Raymond noted that he attended the meetings pulled together by Chris McMahon of the Global Maritime and Transportation School at Kings Point. Both industry and government were participants He remarked that Human Resources is a core issue that should be addressed at such a forum. There is a broad manpower problem not only in deep sea but in high-speed ferries and intercoastal as well. Joe Cox concurred. The Chair stated there is a way to pull in expertise from many areas and presenting them as a unified voice without losing the MTSNAC identity.
The issue of fatigue on vessels was also discussed.
Joe Cox asked for a motion that the minutes from the Safety and Environment Team’s June 7 and July 30, 2001 meetings be approved. Frank Sims moved and Rene Mansho seconded. The motion was approved.
He then proceeded to deliver the report of the Team and the Team’s efforts in interfacing with its ICMTS counterparts. His presentation consisted of a series of resolutions that were addressed.
He discussed the Team’s efforts to promote NOAA’s Safe Navigation Programs and the Team requested that the sponsor transmit the NOAA resolution to the Secretary.
With regard to the criminalization of marine accidents, the Team requested that the MTSNAC accept its briefing paper and endorse further work by the Team on the subject. Jon Benner was thanked for his work on this paper. David Hoskins raised questions about the abrogation of this responsibility and questioned the need basis for this action. Jon Benner indicated that this is a very significant issue that is directly linked to retention and recruitment. Thus, the Safety and Environment resolution was modified as follows:
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAM RESOLUTION 1: That the Safety and Environment Team undertake further study on the issue of the decriminalization of marine accidents.
A discussion then ensued concerning mandatory drug testing for mariners and asked authorization for the Team to study that issue. The requested authorization was granted and the Team was directed to study and report on the issue of drug testing for mariners.
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAMRESOLUTION 2: That the Safety and Environment Team study and report on the issue of drug testing for mariners.
Endurance, Alertness and Fatigue Management
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAMRESOLUTION 3: The Safety and Environment Team should continue its work on a multi-modal approach to endurance, alertness and fatigue management and report to the full MTSNAC.
Permit Process
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAM RESOLUTION 4: The MTSNAC endorses the Safety and Environment Team’s collaboration with the ICMTS Safety and Environment Team in reviewing and developing possible solutions for expediting and stream lining the permitting process associated with MTS infrastructure projects.
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAMRESOLUTION 5: The MTSNAC authorizes the Safety and Environment Team to collaborate with the ICMTS on the preparation of a outreach document entitled “The Marine Transportation System and the Environment”.
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAM RESOLUTION 6: The MTSNAC approves the Safety and Environment Team’s participation in the MTS Research and Technology Conference Panel.
MTSNAC Deliberations in SEA-21 Initiative
SAFETY & ENVIROMENT TEAM RESOLUTION 7: The MTSNAC will consider and agree on a process for coordination of SEA-21 activities among the MTSNAC Teams and with the ICMTS.
Rene Mansho made a motion that the Safety and Environment Team’s Resolutions 1-7 be approved. Chuck Carroll seconded and the resolutions were approved.
BREAK
Chuck Raymond reconvened the meeting and announced a change of date for the Security Team meeting announced the previous day. The new meeting date was noted as Friday, October 26, 2001, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, DOT Building 8236-40. Interested participants were invited to send emails to Carol Lambos at cnlambos@lambosjunge.com.
Info Tech & R&D by Hank Marcus and Bernie Groseclose
Hank Marcus reported that the Team last met at Kings Point and asked that the MTSNAC approve the minutes of the Team’s May 3, 2001 meeting. The minutes were approved.
Hank noted that the Team is working with Admiral Seiberlich as well as the ICMTS group and that the conference in January was a valuable experience.
The Team noted that it is now looking at R & D issues in the security area. Bernie Groseclose stated that at the MTS conference in November, security issues would be a greater priority. The technical aspect of security including ID systems and gate systems are areas of heightened importance.
SEA-21 Discussion
Chuck Raymond asked Raymond Barberesi to give his full presentation on the SEA-21 Initiative and suggestions for the components that might be in such legislation. Ray noted that the presentation was developed from the White Paper, discussions at MTSNAC meetings and Team meetings.
System Capacity
A discussion ensued. Chuck Raymond asked how do we address deep water dredging? Bernie Groseclose suggested that there is a need for a system that looks at feasibility. The need should be approved before an application for funds is made. He further stated that local participation in such programs is a good thing and that cost sharing often makes parties more conscientious. Steve Pfeiffer commented that there is an infrastructure out there that is not being considered. There are significant portions of the system that are under utilized and these under utilized portions must be brought up to capacity before considering increased capacity. Hank Marcus noted that our system does not allow for innovation and that other countries build off-shore islands. Mike Watson noted that a better case needs to be made for the beneficial use of dredged materials and that a portion of SEA-21 funds should be used for this purpose. Darrell Bryan stated that the Port of Seattle is at a competitive disadvantage with Vancouver and that the Harbor Maintenance Tax as drafted should be allowed to address competitive issues.
Bernie Groseclose noted the problem with funding maintenance dredging and there are considerable funds that are not available for maintenance dredging. Jim McCarville discussed the In-Land waterways situation where an aging infrastructure needs considerable remediation. He noted that with better technology we can increase the capacity of the system. Margie Hegy noted a recent conference on capacity and suggested that we obtain the report on this issue.
Congestion
Ray Barberesi noted that there is a need to mitigate congestion using the various modes to compliment each other. This might entail container and barge systems or passenger and freight ferries. Jim McCarville commented that there are provisions in TEA-21 that address congestion and mitigation. As such, if maritime eases congestion then maybe TEA-21 funds should be made available. If the MTS presents an alternative to highway traffic, he stated that it would be a legitimate case to present. A discussion of congestion issues in Hawaii ensued. Mike Watson noted that he believes that he has questions about congestion issues. He stated that harbor congestion is minimal but that there is a problem in the dispatch of vessels and that major terminals only work 30% of the day.
John Wetzel noted from rail perspective that the rails are non congestion although there are some choke points. He further noted that railroads are also a viable alternative to highway congestion.
Chuck Raymond noted that if we are going to move towards a process where there are funds to spend on infrastructure, we need to determine what we want. John Wetzel comments that the system is fluid and congestion is not as significant today as it will become in the future. However, Looman Stingo noted that there are choke points all the time and on-time is not in the vernacular of the railroads. Steve Pfeiffer reminded the council of the remarks of the Secretary that indicated based on projected growth capacity cannot keep up with demand but Steve noted that there are ways to keep up with demand. Tina Casgar stated that we have to look at transportation as a system and get that message to DOT. She further stated that we have to link modes and that dredging should be related to landside issues. There must be an investment in the total transportation system.
Intermodal Connectors
Bernie Groseclose noted that there is a need to coordinate with TEA-21 reauthorization to ensure that it provides funds for intermodal connectors.
Port Channels
This was an area where it was discussed that the beneficial use of dredged materials could be a forceful argument. David Hoskins noted that merely focusing on the competitiveness issue is too narrow and that there must be an eye on the impact to the environment. Chuck Raymond noted that there is a delicate balance and that there should be a healthy debate on whether the larger vessels are good for this country. Mike Watson said that this issue was debated with regard to oil tankers and that the largest tankers did not prove economically viable in the long run.
Joe Cox discussed oil movement and that there may be a paradigm there. He stated that there are lessons to be learned from the oil industry that seemed to find the optimum size vessel. Jon Benner indicated that the issue was more complicated since vessel size is dictated by a number of factors. He stated that oil tankers have options that container ships do not in terms of weight and that certainly if channel depth were not an issue, larger vessels would prevail. Steve Pfeiffer remarked that larger vessel might serve off-shore platforms with feeder service.
Locks & Dams Infrastructure
The need to increase lock size was noted. It was asked why the In-Land Waterways Trust Fund is not spent for needed remediation. John Doyle addressed that issue and stated that there was simply a lack of political will to the spend the funds. There is the need for a mechanism to require the spending down each year of funds in the Trust Fund. He further noted that $150-$175 million in spending could be supported without creating pressure for new taxes. Frank Sims commented on an economic study to justify this spending. Jim McCarville indicated his frustration that approved projects cannot get funds appropriated. Frank Sims asked about the process to request funds. John Doyle noted that the current plan was to work vigorously to get in the interim report to Congress and that the Corps reviews and authorizes projects.
LUNCH BREAK
Public Comments
Chuck Raymond reconvened the meeting and began the public comment period.
Admiral Carl Seiberlich spoke in favor of coastwise shipping as a means of addressing system congestion and noted the work of the Coastwise Shipping Coalition. Tom Delaney of Columbia Coastal supported these remarks and indicated that coastwise shipping is a viable solution to highway congestion. He discussed the initiative that Columbia Coastal is involved in with the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey called the Port-Inland Distribution Network that seeks to reduce highway congestion as well as container dwell time. The first phase will be service from the Port of New York/New Jersey to Albany. Joe Lema of the National Mining Association noted the need to keep the system modern and competitive. Norman Katz discussed the MTS effort in the State of California and stated that they created two regional councils with 60 stakeholders. He further noted an initiative to propose a bill for matching funds for federal dredging projects. He further stated that this industry gives so much with no recognition of the value it provides. He also thanked MARAD and Ray Barberesi for communicating the value of the local MTS process. Glen Paine of Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) discussed vessel tracking systems and smart card initiatives being undertaken. He also offered MITAGS as a venue for future meetings and the assistance of the staff on many of the issues that are being studied by the council such as mariners recruitment and retention and security.
Chuck Raymond thanked the members of the public for their comments and then resumed the SEA-21 Initiative discussion.
SEA-21 Initiative Discussion Continued
Skilled Workforce
Francis Pecquex stated that there have been some advancement with training but the more important issue is recruitment and retention. Mike Watson discussed that there is a movement to have everyone trained in security and that this presents a problem because commerce should come first. Chuck Raymond stated that we need to know more about proposed security requirements and how they will impact vessel operations.
Technology and Research
Chuck Raymond noted the Cargo Handling Cooperative Program that is addressing the issue of vessel transponders. Knowing where containers are is a challenged that needs to be addressed. Hank Marcus stated that this program is alive and well and that considerable work is being done in tagging containers and chassis. Chuck Raymond asked Admiral Seiberlich about the progress of this effort and whether there would be a national or international standard. Admiral Seiberlich answered that the ISO is working on a standard for electronic container seals. Hank Marcus noted the efforts to set standards that would anticipate new technology. Maggie Blum noted that the Cargo Handling Coordination Program will be invited to make a presentation a future meeting.
Mike Watson in discussing vessel tracking and the IMO noted that the Vessel Tracking System is being replaced by the Automated Information System which provides more information and is a preferable system.
Information Systems
The area of security with regard to information systems was discussed. Chuck Raymond asked how industry can help Customs. He noted that there are systems for processing passengers that scanned passports and that the information gets analyzed in anticipation of a passenger traveling. There is a need for a similar system for cargo that would provide the necessary information about the cargo before it reaches a port. This would enable Customs to look for the anomalies and focus their resources on the real threats.
Environment
The need to streamline the dredging application process was noted. David Hoskins commented that the issue of whether a dredging project is prudent must be considered. He also stated that there is a need for information on the impact of current practices.
The discussion of SEA-21 Initiatives was concluded by Chuck Raymond who thanked all the council members and members of the public for such a lively debate. He noted that the council has much work to do in refining the council’s work on the subject. He announced that the Team heads would be meeting with the sponsor and a facilitator to begin the process of honing down these issues so the council can recommend a set of programs for the administration to consider.
New Business
Hank Marcus suggested expanding the role of the website to include information on existing R&D. It was agreed that this should be explored.
Chuck Raymond indicated that the date of the next meeting was dependent on Senator Breaux’s schedule and that the sponsor is working on determining the date.
Chuck Raymond adjourned the meeting noting that it had been a very productive two days. The Secretary’s visit was certainly inspiring and that the council has a good rapport with him. He thanked Frank Sims and MARAD for all their invaluable assistance.