The GAO has published a report called, "Process for Reporting Lessons Learned
from Seaport Exercises Needs Further Attention"
Quoth the mavens:
The framework under which federal agencies would manage a port-terrorism
incident is still evolving. The primary guidance for response, the National
Response Plan, was just issued in January 2005, and the National Incident
Management System, the structure for multiagency coordination, is still
being put in place. As a result, it is too early to determine how well the
complete framework will function in an actual incident.

USCG SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERWAYS
The Coast Guard is seeking applications for appointment to membership on the Lower Mississippi River Waterways Safety Advisory Committee (LMRWSAC). LMRWSAC provides advice and makes recommendations to the Coast Guard on matters relating to the safe navigation of vessels to and from ports on the Lower Mississippi River.
Applications must be completed and postmarked no later than April 30, 2005.
You may request an application form by writing to Commanding OfficerUSCG Marine Safety Office New OrleansAttention: Waterways1615 Poydras StreetNew Orleans, LA 70112;
All application forms must be returned to the following address: Commanding Officer Attn: LMRWSAC Executive Secretary USCG Marine Safety Office, New Orleans1615 Poydras StreetNew Orleans, LA 70112.
For further information, contact LCDR Michael McKean, Executive Secretary of LMRWSAC at (504-628-1555) or LTJG Melissa Owens, Assistant to the Executive Secretary of LMRWSAC at (504-589-4251).

SHIPPING COORDINATING COMMITTEE SCHEDULES TWO MEETINGS
The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the Department of State, will conduct two meetings in Washington, DC.
The first meeting, on February 25, is to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the IMO Subcommittee on Flag State Implementation. Topics on the agenda include maritime security, seafarer’s working hours, PSC reporting procedures, and investigation of marine casualties.
The second meeting, on March 16, is to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the IMO Subcommittee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels Safety. Topics on the agenda include large passenger ship safety, the Intact Stability Code, the Offshore Supply Vessel Guidelines, and harmonization of damage stability provisions.