Maritime Security Council Reelects Philip J. Murray as Chairman

The Executive Director of the Maritime Security Council (MSC), Kim E. Petersen, announced today the reelection of Philip J. Murray to an unprecedented fourth term as Chairman.

Reston, VA (PRWEB) January 18, 2004 --The Executive Director of the Maritime Security Council (MSC), Kim E. Petersen, announced today the reelection of Philip J. Murray to an unprecedented fourth term as Chairman. Murray is also the President of P.J. Murray Associates, Inc., a maritime security consulting company specializing in C-TPAT and ISPS Code compliance.

Petersen, who is also the President of SeaSecure LLC, said that, It was a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors and the general membership to retain Phil as our Chairman. The Maritime Security Council has the respect of both the industry it serves and its government partners in large measure due to Phils vision and leadership. The Council is fortunate to have someone of Phils stature at the helm."

Speaking to members of the Council, Chairman Murray said, It is an honor and privilege to have been asked to serve a fourth term as Chairman of this august body. While we have accomplished a great deal in advancing maritime security over the past several years, there is still much to be done. I look forward to working with Kim, the Board of Governors, our distinguished membership, and our government partners in continuing our important efforts to protect international shipping."

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 Phil Murray:
Philip J. Murray is a founding governor of the Maritime Security Council and has been its Chairman for the past ten years. Mr. Murray is the president of P. J. Murray Associates and has been involved in maritime transportation and international trade since 1961. He is a former Director of SeaLand Services, one of the worlds largest ocean carriers, and was responsible for successfully leading their global effort in the areas of Security, Safety, and Loss Prevention. A strong supporter of assisting government efforts in the areas of maritime security, anti-terrorism and drug interdiction, Phil was a driving force in the establishment of several key industry/government partnerships to include; CIP, SCIA, BASC and C-TPAT. Phil has visited over 40 countries, 55 factory sites and more than 100 ports and terminals conducting vulnerability assessments, security audits and delivering security training to further the cause of supply chain security. He has been recognized for his efforts on numerous occasions by both industry and government and is the recipient of The US Governments National Performance Review" award and the CSX Corporation Award of Excellence" which recognizes extraordinary achievement and contribution to the companys success". Phil is a published author and has spoken on the issues of port security, terrorism, drug interdiction and stowaways in the U.S., Asia and Europe.

About Kim Petersen:
In addition to being the Executive Director of the Maritime Security Council, Mr. Petersen is the president of SeaSecure, LLC, a global leader in maritime security and ISPS Code consulting. 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 and 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, and in 2004 he was appointed by the Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard to sit on the Area Maritime Security Committee for Southern Florida.

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

###