Tri-State Maritime Safety Association (DE - PA - NJ)

MILESTONES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 1999-2006
Tri-state Maritime Safety Association

Ports of the Delaware River and Bay
425 Van Hook Street
Camden NJ, 08104

info@TriMSA.org

www.MarineFirefighting.org

MILESTONES & HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE

Significant Events/Accomplishments 1999-2006 (not inclusive)

Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA):
TMSA provided support to local aviation law enforcement agencies on port and maritime security, maritime domain awareness and air/maritime operational interface.  This training was well received and was requested at the national ALEA conferences and numerous regional conferences.

Marine Firefighting Training:
TMSA has provided the Delaware River and Bay Marine Fire Fighting Task Force’s Marine Firefighting training to over 5,000 first responders since the programs inception.  This was the first of its kind formal training for first responders that must respond to marine vessel fires. 

Urban Flood Response Training:
TMSA in conjunction with its Tri-state Search And Rescue (TriSAR) committee, developed a training program to provide first responders the ability to respond safely to flood situations in urban and developed areas.

Terrorism Awareness Training:
TMSA provides support for the Camden County Prosecutors and the Counter Terrorism Unit during its terrorism awareness training program that provided law enforcement officers awareness level training in response to terrorism.  TMSA provided training to officers in maritime domain awareness, port and maritime security and maritime terrorism response.

Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) Organization:
TMSA has been involved as a core member of the SMART States (http://www.smartstates.com/) design group to develop a regional notification system to address emergent situations involving maritime security and safety that resulted in the Coast Guard’s adoption of the Alert Notification and Incident Command System (ANICS).

M/V CLIPPER MERMAID Fire:  (August 2006)
TMSA provided Maritime Incident Response Team support to the Claymont Fire Company while the M/V vessel was moored at the Ocean Port Terminal in Claymont, DE.  Fire broke out in Master’s Cabin a compartment off the C deck and was likely started by an electrical.  MIRT worked closely with CG & fire companies.  In addition, provided support to the Fire Marshall and USCG during initial fire investigation to determine cause of fire.

Pea Patch Island Airplane Crash:
TMSA provided Maritime Incident Response Team support to the Delaware City Fire Department during rescue and recovery operations on Pea Patch Island after a small aircraft crashed during inclement weather.  Ice conditions on the river required the use of Wilmington Fire Department’s (WFD) Fireboat and support from commercial tugs from Wilmington Tug to provide ice breaking and safety for the smaller response vessels.  The TMSA’s Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT) was activated by WFD to support and coordinate river operations with responders and the Coast Guard.

M/V IRINI TRADER Fire:  (October 2004)
TMSA provided Maritime Incident Response Team support to the Camden Fire Department while the M/V vessel was moored at the South Jersey Port Corporation Broadway Terminal.  Fire broke out in compartment off the main deck and was fueled by bottled gases.  TMSA worked closely with CG & fire departments to ensure the fire was extinguished.  In addition, provided support to the Fire Marshall and USCG during initial fire investigation to determine cause of fire.

Camden Terrorism Response Training:
TMSA provided support for the City of Camden during a one day training program that provided the Camden Police and Fire the opportunity to conduct specialized unit training on board commercial vessels in the port.  The training was observed by USCG, Phila PD, Camden County Prosecutors Office, DRPA Police, and other regional personnel.  TMSA coordinated the use of the commercial vessels, provide a command post and arranged a tour of a large commercial vessel in the port.

Fishing Vessel Fire:
TMSA provided Maritime Incident Response Team support to the Town Bank Fire Department while the F/V vessel was moored at the Lobster Pier in Cape May, NJ.  Fire broke out in house and eventually spread to the rest of the vessel.  TMSA worked closely with CG & fire departments expedite the booming of the vessel to allow fire fighting foam to be applied to extinguish the fire.

TSA Port Vulnerability Assessments:
TMSA is conducting two port wide vulnerability assessments of the port through the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Port Security Grant program.  The assessment will evaluate Federal, state, local, and industry communications and WMD/Hazardous Material Response Capability and provide a report to TSA, USCG, MARAD and other port stakeholders.

NFPA Marine Firefighting Professional Qualification Standard Task Group:
TMSA is a member of the National Fire Protection Association’s ProQual Task Group that has developed the proposed international marine fire fighting standards for the fire service.

July 4^th 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 River Operations:
TMSA provided coordination and additional assets for on-water operations over the Welcome America events along the Delaware River.  Units responded to several emergencies including vessel breakdowns in the channel and a multi-vessel collision during the fireworks.  Additionally, TMSA is working with regional law enforcement organizations and emergency responders to develop a marine annex to terrorism plans that would ensure effective use of maritime resources and coordination of bridges in the event of a terrorist attack in the region

Annual Delaware River Boat Race Operations:
The MIRT participated in the Unified Command established to support the Liberty Grand Prix boat race events on the river in 2004 and 2005).  In addition, The MIRT coordinated and provided additional assets for on-water fire-rescue operations.  Units responded to several emergencies including vessel breakdowns in the channel and an ejection of racers during the race. 

Marine Firefighting STCW Course:
TMSA was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to provide firefighting training for mariners under international STCW conventional and USCG licensing requirements.  This provides local mariners a cost effective alternative to traveling outside the port area for this mandated training.

Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT):
TMSA provides the MIRT to support incidents and operations on the Delaware River and Bay.  The MIRT provides technical expertise in marine response to enhance activities within the tri-state area.  MIRT is under the direction of a chief response officer from TMSA and has members who volunteer their time for planning, exercises, operations and incidents that could or do affect maritime safety in the region.

USS New Jersey:
TMSA has been active in support of the Battleship museum for over 18 months.  We have contributed hundreds of hours to support of Camden City, NJ Department of Community Affairs & the Home Port Alliance in development of responder training tailored to the ship, development of response & safety protocols & needs, & participation in marine safety & security operations around the vessel.

Republican National Convention:
TMSA worked with emergency responders in the development of marine emergency response plans & operations in support of the RNC waterfront events.

OPSAIL 2000:
TMSA, in conjunction with the Coast Guard & emergency responders, developed the Operation Plan for Emergency Response during the event.  The plan involved federal & local assets from 5 counties & 2 states & TMSA provided personnel to coordinate operations in the Operations Center.

PIER 34 Collapse:
TMSA provided a coordinator to the Coast Guard’s On Scene Commander to coordinate over 40 response vessels from 3 states & 8 counties to conduct maritime search & rescue operations in the Delaware River.

M/V KENT FORREST Fire:
TMSA provided a Maritime Incident Response Team to support the Coast Guard when the vessel arrived in the port after experiencing a fire at sea.  TMSA worked closely with CG & fire departments for 3 days to ensure that appropriate & safe measures were taken to protect the vessel & facility.

Barge B No. 95 Fire:
TMSA assisted the Coast Guard & DE State Fire Marshal’s Office in the investigation of a fatal fire on board a barge carrying 4,000,000 gallons of crude oil.  TMSA’s assistance discovered an extremely hazardous condition on the vessel that had to be evacuated until it could be eliminated.

McAllister Tug Response:
At request of USCG, initiated TMSA response to collision and potential sinking of tug that was struck by a T/V in Delaware River to conduct dewatering and damage control operations.

RIVERLINK Ferry:
TMSA worked with local law enforcement agencies including the Camden Police Department and the Camden County Park Police in addressing security issues surrounding the Riverlink Ferry.  The DRPA Police do not have responsibility for safety and security of the terminal, vessel or passengers as they do for the PNBC Passenger Vessel Terminal.

MTSNAC:
TMSA has been actively involved in national meeting of the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Council.

HSC:
TMSA participated & presented at the 3^rd, 4^th 6^th and 7^th annual National Harbor Safety Committee Conf.

Training/Conference:
TMSA held its annual conference at Rutgers University in Camden.  In addition we provided training to over 1000 personnel that generated nearly $10K in funding.

OPA Initiative:
TMSA continues to work on the Oil Pollution Act requirements that could provide TMSA with a permanent funding base, however, until the Coast Guard promulgates the regulations, no funding potential can be created.

Terrorism Related Initiatives since September 11, 2001

Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA):
TMSA provided support to local aviation law enforcement agencies on port and maritime security, maritime domain awareness and air/maritime operational interface.  This training was well received and was requested at the national ALEA conference and other regional conferences.

Terrorism Awareness Training:
TMSA provided support for the Camden County Prosecutors office during its law enforcement training program that provided law enforcement officers awareness level training in response to terrorism.  TMSA provided training to officers in maritime domain awareness, port and maritime security and maritime terrorism response.

Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow (SMART) Organization:
TMSA has been involved as a core member of the SMART States (http://www.smartstates.com/) design group to develop a regional notification system to address emergent situations involving maritime security and safety.

Camden Terrorism Response Training:
TMSA provided support for the City of Camden during a one day training program that provided the Camden Police and Fire the opportunity to conduct specialized unit training on board commercial vessels in the port.  The training was observed by USCG, Phila PD, Camden County Prosecutors Office, DRPA Police, and other regional personnel.  TMSA coordinated the use of the commercial vessels, provide a command post and arranged a tour of a large commercial vessel in the port.

MARITIME & PORT SECURITY:
TMSA chairs the Area Maritime Security Committee and the Consequence Management Subcommittee for the Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Committee.  In addition, TMSA serves on the Mariner’s Advisory Committee Port Security Committee, the Port Industry Port Security Committee, PRPA Port Security Task Force, Philadelphia Anti-terrorism Task Force and the Camden County Counter-Terrorism Task Force.  TMSA has provided training on Port Security & Consequence Management for the Ports of Boston & the Delaware River.  In addition, we are working with the CG & response community to develop a plan to provide port-wide port security & response operations addressing the current threat situation.

MTSNAC Port Security Committee:
TMSA became a member of the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Council’s committee addressing current & future port security needs of our national waterways.

NTI Training:
TMSA is in the process of developing a training program for the National Transit Institute to address security hazards on passenger ferries in the United States.  This training will have a spin-off program that addresses the same issues on other modes of transportation including rail & bus utilizing many of TMSA contacts in the region.

EPA CEPP Conference:
TMSA presented a program on Maritime Terrorism at EPA’s Chemical Emergency Prevention & Preparedness & Internal Hazardous Material Conferences in Baltimore MD.

WHITE PAPER:
TMSA in conjunction with sister organizations in Boston & New York has written a white paper to address safeguarding our ports through addressing consequence management issues that need to be enhances in the U.S.  The paper will be presented to Director Tom Ridge of the Office of Homeland Security.

TMSA has been actively involved in national meeting of the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Council.

Some of the specific accomplishments of the TMSA include:

• Initiated & expanded emergency response partnerships between the local fire departments & commercial waterfront facilities.
• Delaware River & Bay Marine Fire Fighting Task Force –1994, developed first formal marine fire training program in nation based upon NFPA 1405.
• TMSA sponsored regional Emergency Response in the Marine Environment Annual Conference (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001) providing critical marine response training to over 2000 responders from 17 states.
• TMSA participated at the request of the Coast Guard in the MTS Model Port Workshop that will attempt to develop strategies to enhance the Maritime Transportation System through the year 2020.
• TMSA participated as a presenter at the request of the Coast Guard in the 2^nd, 4^th 6^th and  7^th Annual Harbor Safety Committee conference.  TMSA addressed the important issues of Maritime Consequence Management for the response community. 
• TMSA participated as a presenter at the request of the Coast Guard in the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis and Fletcher Law School’s Meeting the Homeland Security Challenge conference.  TMSA addressed the important issues of Maritime Consequence Management and the importance of integrating the response community into all facets of port security. 
• TMSA participated as a presenter at the 1^st Annual U.S. Maritime Security Expo 2002, Jacobs Javits Center, New York, NY.
• TMSA provided training for the Airborne Law Enforcement Association’s (ALEA) Regional and National conferences on Airborne/Maritime Special Operationsin relationship to maritime security at our nation’s ports. 
• TMSA developed a training course to support maritime terrorism awareness training at the request of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.  This training targets local law enforcement agencies that have waterfront jurisdiction to enhance their capacities to detect potential terrorist activities targeting our maritime infrastructure.
• TMSA participated as a presenter in the FEMA Region II Senior Leadership Homeland Security Summit 2003, New York, NY
• TMSA participated as a presenter in the FEMA Region III Senior Leadership Homeland Security Summit 2002, Philadelphia, PA
• Developed, implemented & delivered marine training programs for local fire fighting, law enforcement, emergency medical & other emergency responders.
• TMSA sponsors & supports exercises to test plans & develop expertise, refine skills, evaluate tactics, & build upon lessons learned.
• TMSA promotes the concept of a “unified port” approach in response to marine emergencies. 
• TMSA works with the maritime community to identify & develop solutions to major logistical problems associated with marine fire fighting & response.
• Developed & implemented the nation’s first formal standardized Marine Fire Fighting curriculum for Fire Schools based on NFPA 1405 in 1994.
• TMSA provided the majority of the revision of the National Fire Protection Association’s changes to the “Guide for Land Based Firefighters who respond to Marine Vessel Fires” 2001 edition
• Trained over 5000 responders from over 17 states in Marine Fire Fighting.
• Developed & implemented a Marine Search & Rescue curriculum for Rescue Boat Operator & Crewman. 
• Obtained numerous port sponsorships to support marine fire fighting training, exercise, & equipment.
• Marine Fire Fighting & Salvage Workshop sponsored by USCG/Ports of NY/NJ - August 1997 – Provided largest regional participation in national workshop. 
• Eastern Great Lakes MFFTF - Sept 1997 – provided marine fire fighting training program to responders. 
• New England Area Marine Incident Resources & Training Partnership (MIRT) - February 1998 – provided Marine Fire Fighting Levels I, II, & III training to instructors from Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, & Connecticut.
• Hampton Roads MIRT Marine Fire Fighting Symposium – working in regional partnership, provide adjunct instruction Staff May 1998, 1999, 2000, & 2001.
• Charleston, SC - 1998, reviewed & provided comment to Port of Charleston Risk Assessment at request of U.S. Coast Guard
• Texas A&M University – May 1998, attended, evaluated, & reviewed initial 1405 Marine Fire Fighting course in conjunction with Portland Fire Bureau.
• National Association of Port Authorities meeting in Wilmington, DE  - June 1998 – provided Marine Fire Fighting Response/Port Risk Brief.
• NFPA 1405 Committee – Sept 1999 – provided majority of update to committee for next 1405 revision.
• New Haven, CT – 1999, provided Marine Fire Fighting Levels I & II training to area fire departments.
• New England Area Marine Incident Resources & Training Partnership (MIRT) - October 1999 – provided MFF Levels I, II, & III train-the-trainer.
• Washington State – 2000, reviewed proposed state standard for marine fire fighting for state on proposed IFSAC standard.
• Operation Respond Institute – 2000, working with ORI to develop marine/rail interface training program.
• New England Area Marine Incident Resources & Training Partnership (MIRT) – Cape Cod, MA – Sept 2000, evaluated major regional table-top exercise held at Massachusetts Maritime Academy involving numerous Federal, state, & local agencies.
• New England Area Marine Incident Resources & Training Partnership (MIRT) - Boston FD – Sept 2000, provided MFF Level I & II to Boston Fire Department over 4 day period.
• New York State – USCG – July 2000, developed & provided Marina & Recreational Boat Fire Operations Course adopted by NY State.
• U.S. Coast Guard – Oct 2000, assisted in development of MFF sections of USCG Incident Management Field Operations Guide.
• U.S. Coast Guard – Oct 2000, provided input, at USCG request, to pending Oil Pollution Act 1990 required Marine Fire Fighting & Salvage Federal regulations governing training, resources, equipment & guidelines for Marine Fire Fighting.
• Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council – 2000, 2001, participating in national workgroup to determine consequence management for response organizations in development of national plan on marine transportation 2000-2020.
• U.S. Coast Guard – May 2001, participated in CG’s initial Weapons of Mass Destruction Domestic Preparedness Train-the-Trainer course at request of COTP. 
• Tri-state Industrial Fire Safety Group – May 2001:  Organized multi-state participation of marine response resources to support refinery fire exercise on Delaware River.
• New England Area Marine Incident Resources & Training Partnership (MIRT) - Boston FD – Sept 2001, provided MFF Level III to Boston Fire Department over 4 day period.
• Marine Fire Training:  TMSA has submitted a training program to the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct marine fire fighting training for mariners as required to maintain their licensing.
• Marine Awareness Training:  TMSA provided training to the 1^st and 3^rd National Guard WMD Civil Support Teams (CST) to provide enhanced response capabilities to vessels and the maritime environment.  Each team has since participated in Terrorism Response exercises in the ports of Boston and Philadelphia.
• Marine Fire Fighting & Salvage Workshop sponsored by USCG/Ports of NY/NJ - August 1997 – Provided largest regional participation in national workshop.
• TMSA has been actively involved in national meeting of the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Council.

NOTE:  This list is not all inclusive, but is intended to provide a overview of TMSA as an organization and the nature of its operations and accomplishments.