Seaports Magazine - Summer 2014 - (Page 10)

»FEATURE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Ports focus on disaster and continuity of operations planning in order to be prepared for the unexpected. By Kathy A. Smith W Port of Houston Authority Emergency Manager, Colin Rizzo reviews incident information that is being received by a PHA Telecommunications Officer. A patrol vessel surveys Port Metro Vancouver's inner harbour. 10 AAPA SEAPORTS MAGAZINE hen it comes to being prepared for an incident at any seaport, no matter the size or scope, comprehensive risk assessment, along with detailed planning, training and debriefing, is critical. Planning involves the cooperation of a plethora of port personnel, as well as its area emergency responders and partner organizations. Lessons learned from past incidents or those at other vulnerable entities, such as airports or schools, are invaluable when striving to prevent and respond to any kind of threat. Mobilizing the right team at the right time can make a huge difference in the prevention of loss of life and to reducing damage to systems and property. The overriding key is effective communication. Ports are working hard to continually update their response plans and work collaboratively for the best outcomes. Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) is critical to balancing the needs of all customers, says Charles White, director, port security and emergency preparedness for the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). "We recognize that we cannot protect everything equally, so our planning and resourcing is, at the end of the day, based on the probability of an incident

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Seaports Magazine - Summer 2014

Aapa Headquarters
From the President’s Desk
In Case of Emergency
Extreme Weather
Plug-Ins Enabled
Partners in Fighting Crime
Her Path Leads to Ports
U.S. Needs New Transportation Law that Improves Quality of Life, Economy
Crisis at the Port: Planning Ahead Makes the Difference
Superstorms and Rising Sea Level Present a New Challenge for Ports
Aapa Port Employee Relief Fund a Helping Hand for Those in Need
Toronto Emergency Departments Hold Joint Ice and Cold Water Training Exercises
New Sonar Solution to Protect Aruba Ports Authority
Preparedness, Resiliency and Responsiveness in Mexico
Cat Islands Restoration Strengthens the Resiliency of Port of Green Bay, Local Environment
Index of Advertisers

Seaports Magazine - Summer 2014