| UF’s SEEM and RTM STAR Center Pursue Maritime Security Training Center |
| 2/22/2007 |
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Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay’s School of Environmental and Emergency Management (UF/SEEM) and the RTM STAR Center have announced a formal agreement to jointly pursue the concept of establishing a Great Lakes Center for Maritime Security Training (center). The center would be located at the RTM STAR Center’s existing facilities at One Maritime Plaza, Toledo, Ohio. Although a number of things need to occur before this proposed center becomes a reality, research done by these two organizations has shown that there is a need for such a center not only for Lake Erie but for the entire Great Lakes system.
The goal of the center would be to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Maritime Transportation System in the Great Lakes area to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate against and recover from threatened or actual acts of terrorism, as well as natural disasters and other emergencies. The center would achieve this goal by providing training and related services to the Great Lakes community. The work of the center would be consistent with and support implementation of all the relevant national security strategies and plans. Services offered at the center would include classroom and distance learning; on-vessel scenarios and simulation training; maritime security exercise design and delivery; harbor patrol unit training for area police departments and sheriffs’ offices; support for area maritime security committees; support for port security interagency operational centers; and underwater training. Specific courses would include security force operations and management; maritime security/border security interface; physical security and access control at ports; enhancing interoperable communications capabilities; recognition and detection of weapons and dangerous substances; evacuation procedures; and facility and vessel security officer training. Owens Community College, the Ohio Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and police and sheriff’s offices from counties that border on Lake Erie have been invited to participate. The center will be a regional collaboration of many interested parties in support of maritime security. Obtaining start-up, as well as ongoing operational funding, is one of the primary efforts currently under way by UF/SEEM and the RTM STAR Center. The addition of formal partners and the development of additional service and course offerings are also under way. The ultimate goal is to bring the center into an operational mode sometime within the next 12 to 18 months. UF/SEEM and the RTM STAR Center hope to make further announcements on this important concept in the near future. UF/SEEM is the School of Environmental and Emergency Management, a multifaceted education, training and information-transfer program that focuses on environmental, occupational safety and health and emergency management issues. SEEM’s mission is to develop and deliver effective and practical educational, training and consulting programs across the United States through a combination of practical “hands-on” training; varied instructional techniques in classroom, lab and field settings; state-of-the-art, distance-learning opportunities; and internships and cooperative work experience programs. The University of Findlay is an innovative, career-oriented university located in Findlay, Ohio, with a total enrollment of more than 4,500 full-time and part-time students. In 2007, the institution is celebrating its past and embracing the future during its 125th anniversary. Programs marking milestone anniversaries this year include the pre-veterinary program, the social work program, the English equestrian studies program and the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books. The University of Findlay offers undergraduate programs in more than 60 majors, eight master’s degrees and a doctor of pharmacy. The RTM STAR Center is a not-for-profit maritime training school, opening in 1983. With two locations in Toledo, Ohio, and Dania, Fla., it now offers many U.S. Coast Guard and other approved courses. These courses meet USCG, STCW and IMO Model requirements. In Toledo, the RTM STAR Center offers state-of-the-art deck and engine simulators, classrooms, and a modern separate dormitory and dining building with additional classrooms and conference rooms. |
