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The Port of Baltimore
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November/December 2013
The happenings in and around the Port
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K
nown internationally for their
top-notch security, the Port
of Baltimore’s public marine
terminals received their sixth consecutive
“excellent” assessment following an
annual inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Governor Martin O’Malley noted that
security has improved considerably as a
result of Maryland’s congressional delega-
tion having delivered $12 million in federal
security grants since 2007. “Thanks to
our federal and state security partners,
we have made tremendous strides in the
last six years toward making the Port of
Baltimore one of the most secure seaports
in the nation,” Gov. O’Malley said.
In a letter to Maryland Port
SECURITY
Coast Guard Gives Public Terminals
Another Top Rating Following Inspection
and Lt. Commander Stephanie Morrison,
plus six Coast Guard Marine Science
Technicians responsible for asset
protection. The European Commission
was represented by Inspectors Vincenzo
Paolo Leone and Joao Paiva.
David A. Espie, Director of Security for
the MPA, briefed the team on MPA terminal
security measures and demonstrated
some of the Port’s physical security
systems, such as Closed Circuit Television
(CCTV) and identification technology.
The team also observed how Maryland
Transportation Authority Police protect
the terminals, as well as how Securitas
Security Services regulates access control.
Espie said that the Commission
inspectors “were very attentive” and
asked many questions concerning the
Port’s security procedures and the
relationship between the Coast Guard
and the Port.
Capt. Keifer noted in his letter to the
MPA’s White, “Your staff’s proficiency
and firm commitment to security at all
of your port facilities led to a positive
assessment of the United States from the
European Commission.”
From left, MPA Director of Security
David A. Espie and U.S. Coast Guard
Capt. Kevin Kiefer welcomed two
European Commission inspectors.
COURTESY OF MPA
Administration (MPA) Executive Director
James J. White, U.S. Coast Guard Captain
of the Port Kevin C. Kiefer wrote, “The
efforts MPA has made to renovate facilities
while also establishing more effective
security risk mitigation strategies has
demonstrated your continued dedication
to securing your facilities.”
The Port of Baltimore had the unique
opportunity in September to be the
first port in the United States inspected
jointly by both the U.S. Coast Guard and
the European Commission for Maritime
Security, an arm of the European Union
responsible for port security.
Representing the Coast Guard were
Capt. Kiefer, Commander Scott Kelly
EVENTS
Students Introduced to
Maritime Jobs During
Port Fest Baltimore
P
ort Fest Baltimore, organized by the
Baltimore National Heritage Area
with support from the Port, maritime
businesses and the local educational
community, took place in October and
included hands-on experiences that
introduced students, teachers and
the public to career opportunities that
support the working port.
Activities ranged from student
performances on the waterfront to tours
of vessels and Port operations. Port Fest
Baltimore also offered the opportunity for
media students from Digital Harbor High
School to create and post videos of their
experiences.
Chuck Heinze from Ports America conducted a
tour for Towson University students during Port
Fest Baltimore.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE WICKLEIN,
THEWICKLEINGROUP.COM
