Public Safety: Massport, San Diego

Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Maritime Security was the recipient of the Rear AdmiralRichard E. Bennis Award for Maritime Security at a December 3 ceremony at the Logan Office Center.

The biannual award, which was presented by, recognizes organizations for outstanding achievements and contributions related to implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act and other maritime security best practices.

Capt. John O’Connor, Captain of the Port of Boston in presenting the award to Joseph Lawless, Massport’s director of maritime security. Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn and Port Director Deborah Hadden also attended the ceremony. Mr. Lawless chairs the AAPA Port Security Committee.

"I am pleased to recognize Massport on their commitment to maritime security in the Port of Boston," said Captain O'Connor. "They are a great port partner and are well-deserving of this coveted award."

"Safety and security are our top priorities at the Port of Boston, and so I am pleased to see our preparation, hard work, and collaboration receive national recognition from the U.S. Coast Guard," said Ms. Hadden. "As volumes continue to rise and bigger ships continue to call Boston, we will continue to work with all of our partners to make sure the port is even safer and a great place to do business."

Presentation of Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Maritime Security to Massport (left to right): Captain John Teehan, Massport Maritime Security; Robert DeFlaminis, Assistant Chief, Massport Maritime Security; Joe Lawless, Director of Massport Maritime Security; Captain John O’Connor of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Captain of the Port of Boston: Deborah Hadden, Port Director at Massport.
Photo/Massport

San Diego: Harbor Police Department Showcases New Tactical Training Vessel

The San Diego Harbor Police Department has obtained a new tactical trainer that will be used to assist San Diego County law enforcement agencies in preparing for maritime fire and public safety scenarios.

The $380,000 trainer, funded mostly by a federal Port Security Grant, is a tri-level vessel equipped with two remotely controlled burn chambers fitted with a propane-based live fire system. It enables realistic training scenarios in which firefighters board the vessel and climb down to the "engine" compartment to fight fires.

"The Harbor Police Department's tactical trainer is a valuable resource for our collaborative efforts to ensure maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in San Diego," said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jonathan S. Spaner. "San Diego is a strategic port which supports the United States military as well as significant economic activities involving cargo and tourism. Marine firefighting and other tactical capabilities are essential to the preparedness and resilience of our port."

In 2013, the Harbor Police responded to numerous boat-fire calls, of which seven were active fires. In one example, on October 6, 2013, an electrical fire broke out aboard the Dorado Discovery, a 321-foot British-flagged research vessel that was moored at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. While no one was injured, the fire response entailed cooperation from numerous agencies, including the Harbor Police, the San Diego Fire Department, the National City Fire Department, the Coronado Fire Department, and hazardous materials crews, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Our Harbor Police Officers put their lives on the line every day to keep San Diego Bay safe, and that's why they need the best training possible," said Acting Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. "This tactical trainer simulates the conditions onboard a ship or boat and allows our officers to actually fight a fire in a controlled environment, giving them a realistic experience that translates into effectiveness when the worst happens."

Harbor Police Department Showcases new tactical training vessel.
Photo/Port of San Diego

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
1201 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 860, Washington, D.C. 20024
E: info@aapa-ports.org
W: www.aapa-ports.org