On the final day of our 2023 Security Symposium, Captain Andy Meyers, CG-FAC, served as our morning keynote speaker. Captain Meyers is the program manager at Coast Guard Headquarters for the Coast Guard’s facility inspection program, including safety, security, and environmental standards.

Captain Meyers addressed several important security topics, including cyber, TWIC, and the growing use of drones in and around waterfront facilities. Captain Meyers also discussed recovery and resilience, and the growing use of novel fuels in the maritime industry, such as hydrogen and ammonia. Facilities that may be adding these fuels to their inventory should certainly consider the safety, security, and emergency response risks they may bring.

Sergeant Jay Santalucia, of the Broward County Sherriff department was our second speaker. With 35 years of law enforcement experience, he gave us a frank and engaging presentation on active shooter incidents. A few takeaways: develop a warrior mindset, consider “stop the bleed” training, https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/, and work with your local law enforcement agencies before an incident to build relationships and understand how to report and respond to an active shooter incident, including how to behave once law enforcement arrives.

After lunch Eric Linden, Integritas Security Service Inc., showed us how they train and use canines for explosives and narcotics. It was clear that the dogs are enthusiastic and very good at their jobs and could be an effective security tool in many scenarios.

Lastly, Ian Wristbridge, MAGNAR LLC, gave us an education on the value of access control technologies, including the social and economic factors that can make it effective. We know that access control is the most common violation issued by the Coast Guard, so clearly, we have some work to do in this critical area.

After the Symposium concluded, Mark Dubina, Vice President and Security Chief for Port Tampa Bay hosted a cruise through the Port. It was a delightful end to a great week. Thank you Mark and thanks to all our FSOs, participants, and partners who made the Symposium a tremendous success!