The organization that is most critical to the preparedness of a port is the Area Committee (AC). The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) mandated the establishment of ACs in every port area in the United States and charged them with oversight of the preparedness of their ports through preparation of Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) to specify how spill responses would be carried out. ACs were formed across the United States, and initial ACPs were drafted. Since the AC is an ad hoc voluntary group in each port, its resources and time available to accomplish its functions are often limited. Over time some ACs flourished and initiated many worthwhile projects advancing their mission of port preparedness. Others, through a lack of focus and resources, failed to achieve their full potential.
A recent study for the U.S. Coast Guard investigated the interaction of the AC and the Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) government-led area exercises to develop a vision for a more effective interaction. This paper highlights recommendations made during that study, which are believed to strengthen the AC process. The paper includes the characteristics of an effective AC based on interviews conducted by the authors with ACs across the United States. Some of the recommendations discussed in the paper include:A national AC model to serve as a guide for the organization and functioning of an effective ACFunctions that all ACs should accomplishNationally promulgated standards of port preparednessPerformance measures to objectively diagnose a port's preparednessA more aggressive role for ACs in the PREP area exercise programA national database to provide information to ACs and others involved with preparedness and response
Shiphandling training simulators have come into use since 1967. Several such simulators, with differing technical characteristics and training goals, are now in use around the world. They are commonly used to familiarize already competent masters with new vessels, restricted water areas, or some form of standard bridge procedures. Acceptance of these simulators by highly experienced master trainees has been predominantly favourable. Ship radar simulators have been in use for a somewhat longer time. They are typically used for training entry level officers as well as experienced masters.The aviation and nuclear reactor industries, with a greater experience of simulator technology and its training value, use simulators for both training and licensing. The military (e.g. Navy) and other government agencies (e.g. National Aeronautics and Space Administration) have extensively used simulators for training and qualification. It has been suggested (Schumacker, Madsen and Nicastro, 1972; IMCO Standards of Training and Watchkeeping Convention of 1978, Resolution 17) that simulators could be used for proficiency demonstration on the part of mariners. The US Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978 requires standards for licence qualifications by use of simulators.The United States Coast Guard and Maritime Administration have funded research into the role, technology, and effectiveness of ship-handling simulators. Depending partly on conclusions from this research, the Coast Guard will consider partial credit toward licences for successful completion of approved simulator training. The Maritime Administration may assist maritime training academies to design and procure simulator-based training systems.
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