The NASBLA Preparedness and Response Committee 2011 Report outlines the committee's work to advance marine law enforcement capabilities. The committee will provide training, resources, and guidance to address all-hazards preparation and response. It will work to advance the "Partners on the Water" concept through grants and legislation. The committee will also continue developing preparedness and response websites and an advisory board for the BOAT program. The 5-year vision is to secure sustained funding to improve state preparedness and response training, promote BOAT standards nationwide, and strengthen capabilities through standards and model plans.
1. NASBLA Preparedness and ResponseCommittee 2011 Report Milwaukee, WI September 11, 2011 Spencer Cole – Chair George Johnson – V-Chair Kevin Bergerson – Board Liaison Mike Baron – USCG Representative Jeff Wheeler – USCG Representative
2. Committee Charter The Preparedness and Response Committee will work to advance marine law enforcement capabilities and training, providing a framework for the safety and security of our nation’s waterways. Provide training, typing and credentialing models to address “all hazards” preparation and response. Provide structured resources and guidance in close collaboration with all law enforcement partners on the water and create a fusion of capabilities across multiple jurisdictional lines
3. State and Associate Members Jeff Parrish, TX Kurt McKean, OK Roger Norcross, OH Bill Engfer, WI Felix Hensley, IN John Sellers, MO Jeff Mayne, LA Associates: Gary Abernathy, SRI Pam Bramblett, FEMA Bob Beck, Zodiac Steve Chambers, Mustang Ralph Silverman, Protector
4. Charge #1 Working with partners, advance NASBLA’s “Partners on the Water” concept through the adoption of proposed Marine Security Grants and Legislation.
5. Charge # 1 – deliverable: Function as a “virtual committee” and reserve funding for Congressional visits when appropriate Continuous tracking in cooperation with NASBLA’s Governmental Affairs Office 2010 USCG Re-authorization Bill language “White paper” to NASBLA membership – on “The Safe Port Act of 2011” Informational letter on March 10.2011 --- to help BLA’s prepare for late Grant cycle in 2011 MOU’s with: National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy Domestic Nuclear Detection Office – DHS C-PORT
6. Charge # 2 Continue development of NASBLA Preparedness& Response and BOAT web sites. Provide web based safety and security educational material for state members on existing support programs, inclusive of marine law enforcement messaging
7. Charge # 2 - deliverable Development on both the Committee page and within the Higher Logic Community section of the NASBLA Web site. MOU with NMLEA for portal connection to PortStar educational opportunities for maritime law enforcement under a port requirement MTSA Act of 2002. Portal will open this fall. Kurt McKean – Charge Leader
8. Charge # 3 The Council of Partners accomplished their functional purpose in 2010. It was determined that an Advisory Board made up of stakeholders should be assembled and function in preparation fo any future accreditation with the NASBLA BOAT Program. Felix Hensley – Charge Leader