Maritime Security Council Reappoints Kim E. Petersen as Executive Director

The Maritime Security Council announced the reappointment of Kim E. Petersen to his third term as Executive Director. The Maritime Security Council focuses on the security concerns of the U.S. and international maritime community, including the IMO's ISPS Code and the US MTSA, and is the largest organization of its kind in the world.

Reston, VA (PRWEB) January 19, 2004 --The Chairman of the Maritime Security Council (MSC), Philip J. Murray, announced the reappointment of Kim E. Petersen to his third term as Executive Director. Petersen previously served as a Governor of the MSC and was later appointed Executive Director in 1997.

Petersen, who is also the President of SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, will continue to direct both operations and the administration of the Maritime Security Council. Chairman Murray said in a press conference, The unanimous decision of the Board of Governors was to ask Kim to remain with the MSC and continue his exemplary contributions to the Council. Both the Board and our membership have come to rely upon his strong leadership in managing the worlds preeminent maritime security organization."

It is with great pride that I accept the reappointment of the Board of Governors," said Petersen. My staff and I will continue to work in the best interests of our membership over the next three years, particularly as they prepare for the implementation and enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the US Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA)."

The ISPS Code was adopted by the UNs International Maritime Organization (IMO) in December 2002 to address maritime security at all international ports and the security of ships engaged in international commerce. The ISPS Code has set strict standards for port and ship operators that must be achieved by 1 July 2004. The MTSA is the US codification of the ISPS Code.

About the Maritime Security Council:
The Maritime Security Council (MSC) was created in 1988 to address the security concerns of the U.S. and international maritime community and is the largest organization of its kind in the world. It is a member-driven organization that represents almost 70% of the worlds shipping (by tonnage), working closely with United States and other government agencies concerned with commercial vessel security. The MSC has established partnerships with a number of these agencies in its efforts to prevent maritime terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, stowaways, theft, and piracy and represents the interests of ocean cargo carriers, cruise lines, ports, and related industries before US and foreign government agencies. In 2000, the MSC was appointed as the Technical Advisor to the U.S. State Department on maritime security and counterterrorism and works closely with the Overseas Security Advisory Council. The MSC is also an advisor to INTERPOL on maritime security issues. In 2003 it was announced that the Maritime Security Council would be the sponsor for the Maritime Information Sharing & Analysis Center (ISAC). For more on the MSC see: www.maritimesecurity.org.

About SeaSecure:
SeaSecure is widely recognized as the nations leading expert in maritime security, and its staff have performed security and vulnerability assessments in over 90 countries and 165 seaports. In 2001, SeaSecure was selected as the lead security consultant to all of Florida's deep-water ports and, in 2002, to perform seaport and facility vulnerability and threat assessments at over a dozen strategic seaports in the United States. SeaSecure's international clients include some of the world's largest seaports, shipping companies, and cruise lines. SeaSecure provides recognized maritime security training to governments and industry, including the US and Chinese governments. For more on the SeaSecure see: www.seasecure.com.

About Kim Petersen:
Kim has over 25-years of experience in security and anti-terrorism activities. His civilian career has included senior staff positions with former US Secretaries of State Kissinger and Haig. He also served at the White House, US Senate, and US Defense Department and is a former Captain in the Armys Special Forces. He has directed security for such companies as Princess Cruises and Renaissance Cruises. He attended Harvard Business School and Virginia Commonwealth University. Kim has frequently given expert testimony before Congress on maritime security and his writings have been published in several journals and books. He lectures extensively and has been featured on such programs as CBSs Sixty Minutes," ABCs 20/20," the Evening News with Peter Jennings, and National Public Radio. He is a Visiting Professor at the UNs World Maritime University and a Senior Associate Instructor at the US Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In 2003, the Secretary of Transportation appointed Kim to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council.

Contact:
Clare Austin: 954-567-2536
staff@maritimesecurity.org
www.maritimesecurity.org