BOAT Program Bringing Message of Safety and Security to Honolulu

The Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program establishes a national standard for the training, qualification, credentialing and typing of maritime law enforcement and rescue personnel.  The BOAT Program provides a true national standard for the purpose of maritime interoperability at the federal, state and local levels. Adapted from the U.S. Coast Guard’s boat forces training framework, the BOAT Program is comprised of vital maritime training and management components.

The BOAT Program will be highlighted in a number of ways at next week’s conference including:

• Special briefing and announcements at the BLA Workshop
• Delivery of a Tactical Operators Course (TOC) in Honolulu, September 13-17
• Two dynamic presentations led by national experts

On Tuesday, September 14th, we have back to back speakers each addressing key aspects of the BOAT Program.

Brad Williams from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will begin the day with his presentation entitled “Building a Waterborne Response Team.” A career state law enforcement officer, Brad Williams is currently a captain with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Assigned as FWC’s Statewide Mutual Aid Operations Chief, his responsibilities include Disaster, Tactical and Domestic Security planning and response, Interagency Command and Control, and coordination of FWC’s mutual aid operations in all venues. Both his current assignment, as well as his extensive experience, make Brad well qualified to address this important and timely topic.

The second presentation, “Role and Mission of State and Local MLE,” will be presented by a long-time NASBLA friend, Mike Smith. A captain (retired) with the U. S. Coast Guard, Mike Smith currently serves as the deputy director of the Center for Maritime and Port Security at SRI International. After 25 years in the Coast Guard, Mike has literally done and seen it all and is an international expert on port management, port operations, vessel traffic management and port security.

Mark your calendars and be sure not to miss all of the BOAT Program events in Honolulu. For those unable to join us in Hawaii, we will have reviews and pictures of these important activities here on the NASBLog.

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