U.S. Coast Guard NMC to Host MERPAC Meeting:

National Maritime Center will play host to next all-important Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee meeting on September 22-23, 2009. TSAC Meeting follows immediately at same location on September 24-25.

This meeting will be important in that it addresses many of the recommendations that the Coast Guard may take to the upcoming IMO meetings. Since it will be held at NMC, this may be of increased interest to MarEx readers who have been following the debate as to the performance of NMC.

The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) was first established in 1992 at the request of the Commandant. MERPAC's purpose is to advise the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), via the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, on matters relating to the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of seamen in the merchant marine. The Committee acts in an advisory capacity in accordance with 5 U.S.C. App. I (1976), the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

The Committee consists of up to 19 members who have particular areas of expertise, knowledge, and experience in the maritime industry. The Committee's charter outlines specific groups from which these experts shall be chosen. A member's term lasts three years, with approximately one-third of the members' terms expiring each year. From these members, the Commandant will choose a Chair and Vice-Chair, who will preside over the committee. In addition to its membership, the Committee has an Executive Director. This individual is a full-time salaried official of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Executive Director furnishes administrative and staff support for the committee, and he or she will be present, or be represented by an Acting Executive Director, at each meeting.

Those contemplating going to the meeting can find accommodations at The Comfort Inn at Martinsburg, WV. The phone number of the hotel is 304-263-6200.

MarEx readers can find MERPAC on the WEB by clicking HERE.