The following is the text of a press release issued by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association:
(SOUTHPORT, Conn.) — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association Founding Chairman, Clay Maitland, announced the release of its newly developed MARPOL/Marine Science training resources. Funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this program is considered to be the first time that the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Pollution regulations (MARPOL) have been partnered with marine science. It will be distributed throughout North American by members of NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministry Association) beginning with Massachusetts and North Carolina.
“We believe that this program underscores to the seafarers not only the ‘What” of MARPOL regulations, but also the ‘Why’” stated Maitland. “While shipping, ship management and manning companies have their set of educational resources on the topic, it is important that this instruction be reinforced as often as possible so to reduce the likelihood of pollution incidents.”
Developed in collaboration with The Jason Project, a non-profit organization that connects students to real science and through award-winning online and print curricula; and the MARPOL Training Institute, a company dedicated to assisting its customers in improving their vessel processes and practices to prevent pollution violations. NAMEPA’s Board of Directors also contributed to the developmental process.
The initial materials will be delivered to seafarers by port chaplains and other members of NAMMA. “For years we have watched seafarers struggle with the aftermath of environmental regulation compliance,” observed NAMMA President the Reverend Philip Vandercook. “NAMMA is pleased to participate in educating the mariner to avoid future infractions.”
The material consists of both a brochure and DVD, and is available to the entire maritime community. For copies of these resources, please contact Carleen Lyden-Kluss at executivedirector@namepa.net.
