Port of Oakland - Newsroom

Oakland, Calif. (January 13, 2004) - On January 13 at 10:00 a.m., Port of Oakland's General Manager of Maritime Raymond (Ray) Boyle was sworn in by the United States Coast Guard as an official member of the Northern California Area Maritime Security Committee. All the members of the committee were sworn in at this special meeting hosted by the Port of Oakland at 530 Water Street in the boardroom. The US Coast Guard is under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security.

Although the Area Maritime Security Committee has met regularly since its establishment in 2002, the swearing in is an important event for this unique group of individuals. The committee was instituted as a result of the Maritime Transportation Security Act. It is comprised of government agencies, commercial facilities, industries, and individuals interested in preserving the security of our shared waterfront areas. Its purpose is to provide a framework to communicate, identify risks, and coordinate resources to mitigate threats and consequences.

Chaired by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Captain Gerald M. Swanson, the committee brings together a vast and diverse group of port stakeholders to discuss maritime domain awareness and transportation security issues.

"There has been a joint effort between the Port of Oakland, the US Coast Guard, US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), local law enforcement, and marine terminal operators to initiate effective security measures," said Ray Boyle.

"We are implementing a new Emergency Communications System that has been designed to provide efficient security at our marine terminals," stated Port of Oakland's Director of Maritime Jerry Bridges. The Port of Oakland's new security design, which includes an alert notification system, a seaport video surveillance system, an intrusion detection system and an access control system, serve to enable our terminal operators to effectively comply with the United States Coast Guard regulations. The Emergency Communications System will operate both for prevention and effective response relative to a potential natural disaster, civil emergency, criminal activity or terrorist attack.

Port of Oakland executive director Tay Yoshitani said, "The safety and security of our port workers and visitors and the integrity of our operations are of paramount importance. Once our new systems are implemented, the Oakland seaport will offer a greater level of security for those who rely on our operations."

At the ceremony, Port of Oakland Maritime Projects Coordinator Ramona Dixon was one of four individuals awarded with a Certificate of Merit from the US Coast Guard "in recognition of notable services which have assisted greatly in furthering the aims and functions of the US Coast Guard." It was given as a "tribute for sustained meritorious service in support of US Maritime Security."


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