First MARAD Security Training Certification!

Hi Everyone,

I received this press release from Port Manatee and thought it would
be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
available on my web site.

Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com


Port Manatee is Nation's First Seaport to Earn MARAD Security Training
Certification

PALMETTO, Fla June 1, 2005
Port Manatee today became the nation's first seaport receiving
certification from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) for its
seaport security training coursework.

The port's training courses comply with the congressional Maritime
Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and International Ship and
Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. Training is based on curriculum
models provided by MARAD.

"This is a significant achievement for Port Manatee and the U.S.
seaport community," said Executive Director David L. McDonald PPM®.
"We have one of the most qualified security teams in the nation, which
is being looked upon to train seaport security personnel from across
the U.S."

Port Manatee submitted the demanding 750-page certification
application in April 2005. All aspects of the course's planning and
implementation including course materials, instructor qualifications
and classroom facilities were evaluated.

"Port Manatee has shown true leadership and vision in receiving this
important certification," said U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Harris, a
member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. "They have worked
immensely hard to distinguish the port as a leader in Homeland
Security and I will continue to work hard to ensure that they remain a
leader in port security by ensuring they have the adequate funding
needed to carry out their goals."

The comprehensive training program is already attracting professionals
from ports throughout the U.S.

"Educating and updating port employees on maritime security is
critical for the health of the maritime community, and for winning the
war on terrorism," said MARAD Acting Administrator John Jamian. "We
encourage other facilities to follow the example set by Port Manatee."

"The certification ensures that security personnel who complete our
courses meet all federal training requirements," said the port's
Director of Seaport Security, Frank Holden. "These efforts lay the
groundwork for Port Manatee to expand its training programs and work
toward creating a maritime security academy."

The security training initiative is just one example of Port Manatee's
cutting-edge approach to security since 2002. The port also enhanced
its staff, security plan and access control systems while serving as a
research and development site for new security technology.

The improvements are garnering attention not only from MARAD, but also
the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the
American Association of Port Authorities.

"We congratulate Port Manatee, which is a long-time member of AAPA,
for being the first seaport in the country to receive the U.S.
Maritime Administration's certification to provide this level of
federally-compliant security training," said AAPA President and CEO
Kurt Nagle.

Notes: The security training curriculum and materials are confidential
as part of the port's security plan and therefore exempt from public
records laws. A general description of the course is available at
http://www.portmanatee.com.