Engaging the Next Generation of Responders
In this enlightening fifth session of our podcast series, host Mark Curtis, a renowned expert in Emergency Management and Business Continuity, delves into the critical topic of engaging and nurturing the next generation of emergency responders. Mark explores the unique challenges facing the emergency management industry today, including the pressing need for new talent and the evolving landscape of crisis response.
Empowering the Next Generation: Strategies for Recruiting Young Talent
Focus on the challenges facing the industry in getting new blood into the pipeline and what different organizations are doing to engage the next generation of responders.
Host: Mark Curtis, Director Emergency Management & Business Continuity
Tom Wiker, President, Gallagher Marine Systems
Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
Jenny Johnson, Maritime Inclusion Partners
New Technologies for Oil Spill Response
In this riveting episode, we bring you a recording of a session from The Tactics Conference, where industry experts gather to discuss the latest advancements in oil spill response technologies. With the increasing challenges posed by environmental concerns, it's crucial to stay updated with the most innovative solutions. Dive deep into the discussions, insights, and debates led by our esteemed panelists.
Host: Curtis Cannizzaro, Executive Director, Merchants Exchange
Panelists:
Christopher J. Hall, Planning & Development Manager, Alaska Clean Seas
Sarah Behrman, GIS Coordinator, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Nic Winslow, Manager Hazmat Planning, BNSF Railway
Larry Ryan, GIS & Data Analyst, NJ Resources
John Newhoff, Senior Partner, Portage Bay Solutions
All Hands on Deck: Unified Command in Shipboard Firefighting
Join our panel of experts as we delve into the intricate realm of marine firefighting, emphasizing the crucial role of a unified command. This episode sheds light on the unique challenges of combating fires on ships, highlighting the differences from structural firefighting. We'll discuss the significance of collaboration, efficient communication, and strategic leadership in managing marine emergencies. Tune in as we traverse the hurdles and successes of unifying commands, aiming for safer and more effective responses to marine fire incidents.
Dan Smiley, General Manager, Washington State Maritime Cooperative
Todd Duke, General Manager Compliance Services, Resolve Marine
Kevin Perry, Vice President, Gallagher Marine Systems
Jim Elliott, Chief Operating Officer, Teichman Group
Don Doyle, Training Coordinator, MFSA/FPAAC
Women in Power in Emergency Response - The Tactics Conference Session 1
Tune in for an enlightening episode that pays tribute to the remarkable contributions and leadership of women in the realm of emergency response. Hosted by Jenny Johnson, CEO of Maritime Inclusion Partners, we dive deep into the accomplishments, hurdles, and prospects for women who have risen to influential roles in the sector. This episode is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of women making waves in emergency response.
A Proactive Approach: Unveiling Washington’s Oil Spill Prevention Program
Join us for an insightful episode as we take an exclusive look into the inner workings of Washington State's Oil Spill Prevention Program. In a captivating interview with Sara Thompson, Vessel and Oil Transfer Unit Supervisor of the Spills Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology, we delve into the strategies and initiatives employed to achieve their zero spills goal.
Discover the meticulous vessel substantial risk inspections conducted to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks before they escalate. Learn about the innovative Vessel Email Screening system, which aids in identifying vessels with a history of non-compliance or elevated risk factors. We also explore the recently introduced fishing vessel inspection program, designed to ensure the safety and environmental compliance of fishing vessels operating in Washington's waters.
Join us as we unveil the tireless efforts of the Washington State Department of Ecology in safeguarding the pristine coastlines and protecting the delicate marine ecosystem. Gain valuable insights into the proactive measures taken to prevent oil spills and maintain the state's commitment to preserving its natural treasures.
Emergency Unplugged: The Imperative of Prioritizing Internet Access for Crisis Response
Welcome to 'Emergency Unplugged: The Imperative of Prioritizing Internet Access for Crisis Response,' where we delve into the urgent need for reliable connectivity during emergencies. In an era where the internet is the backbone of communication, its stability during crises is paramount. Tune in as we explore the role of cutting-edge technologies, including satellite-based internet systems like Starlink, in strengthening our emergency response infrastructure. Discover how these innovations are transforming disaster management and ensuring lifesaving information is accessible when it matters most, even in the most remote corners of our planet.
Harnessing Teams for Virtual Command: Best Practices from Industry Leaders
In this dynamic panel podcast episode, host Dan Smiley brings together a stellar lineup of industry professionals from the Washington Department of Ecology, Crowley Maritime, WSMC, and Amergent Techs. They delve into the ins and outs of using Microsoft Teams as a virtual command post for managing complex operations and streamlining communication across organizations.
Tune in as the experts Jessica Whipple, Russ Beauchamp, Mark Curtis, and Howard Zorzi share valuable insights on leveraging Teams to effectively coordinate tasks, make swift decisions, and stay connected with remote teams. Discover best practices for setting up an efficient virtual command center, utilizing channels and apps, maintaining security and compliance, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from top professionals as they reveal real-world examples and battle-tested strategies.
The Coast Guard’s Voice: Inside the Life of a USCG Public Affairs Officer
In this episode, we sit down with LT Stephen Nolan, a Public Affairs Officer in the United States Coast Guard's District 13. As the face of the USCG, LT Nolan shares his insights into the critical role of public affairs officers in the Coast Guard and what it takes to effectively communicate with the public in times of crisis and emergency. From managing media relations to crafting compelling stories that showcase the Coast Guard's missions and values, we delve into the many facets of LT Nolan's work and learn about the unique challenges and rewards of serving as a USCG public affairs officer. Whether you're a Coast Guard enthusiast or simply curious about the inner workings of one of the world's most respected military branches, this episode is a must-listen.
Preventing Disaster: The Importance of membership in the Washington State Maritime Cooperative Umbrella Oil Spill Response Plan
In this episode, we explore the importance of having a solid plan in place for oil spill response in Washington State, particularly when a ship arrives in the region. We delve into the specifics of the Washington State Maritime Cooperative umbrella plan and how it can be utilized to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective response in the event of an oil spill.
Navigating the Seas with iNavX: A Guide to Oil Spill Response and Common Situation Mapping
Join us on our latest episode as we dive into the world of navigation with iNavX - the ultimate program for mariners. We'll explore how this powerful tool helps you navigate the seas with confidence, but also the vital role it plays in oil spill response. Discover how iNavX's common situation map provides real-time updates and allows for coordinated efforts in mitigating environmental disasters. Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve in navigation and oil spill response!
Coast Guard’s Eye in the Sky: An Inside Look at the UAV Program
Are you ready to take a flight into the future of coastal surveillance? Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technology behind the United States Coast Guard's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. From the skies to the seas, we'll take you on a journey to discover how UAVs are revolutionizing the way the Coast Guard operates and keeping our waters safe. So buckle up, and let's soar into the latest episode of The Tactics Meeting!
Maritime Cyber Security
Can ships get hacked? Yep! In this episode, Eric Wilson from the USCG introduces the cyber security threat facing the maritime industry.
Conducting the Command and General Staff Meeting
In this episode of The Tactics meeting, Cheryl Surface gives expert guidance on conducting the Command and General Staff meeting.
The Response Group and Jetty in Crisis Communications
Calling all JIC members! This week Erika Lamberth joins us from The Response Group to discuss her experience as a communications and marketing advisor in the crisis communication world. Find out how she found her way to emergency management, what PIO qualifications can typically look like and what capabilities Jetty can provide you in the face of a response.
Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in Washington
What is new and upcoming in oil spill regulation in Washington State? Matt Bissell, Acting Preparedness Section Manager at the Department of Ecology, gives us the answer in this presentation at the WSMC annual seminar.
Using custom applications to solve common response issues
It was great to see John and Kate from Portage Bay Solutions at Clean Pacific with their new ICS-213RR Resource Request application. They have been helping me with custom ICS solutions since 2012. In this great episode of The Tactics Meeting, we discuss developing custom applications, creating maps using the Google Maps API, adding text messaging to a 201 app, and much more. If you're a nerd like me, you will love it. If you are not a nerd, you will want to be.
96 Hour Checklist - NWACP Communications Workshop
In this presentation given by Darcy Bird of the Washington State Department of Ecology at the NWACP Communications Workshop, we examine the 96-Hour checklist from the Northwest Area Contingency Plan. This checklist is designed to guide response leadership in identifying priorities and tasks within the first 96 Hours of a major incident.
Social Media During Response - NWACP Communications Workshop
What social media platforms are our target audience using? What channels will get the best engagement? Should the JIC use TikTok? In this presentation given at the Northwest Area Contingency Plan Communications Workshop by Sara Zeman, Communication Coordinator at the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, these questions are addressed in a way that even those over 30 can understand.
Clean Pacific 2022
If you have not decided if you will attend the CLEAN PACIFIC CONFERENCE this year, watch this preview with Carey Buchholtz and Cassie Davie. If you are already planning to attend, this interview will get you in the mood!
I hope to see ALL of you there!
Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU)
What is the role Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) in response to maritime emergencies? In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we examine the MTSRU with LCDR S.I. Looney, U.S. Coast Guard.
Area Command & Implementation
This week, on the podcast, we talk about area command and its implementation with Jim Elliot, COO at Teichman Group. Not normally focused on during regular ICS training, Jim defines what area command is, how it is staffed, and how it functions to manage multiple command posts during a crisis.
Conducting the Initial Unified Command Meeting
Many important questions come up when considering the initial Unified Command meeting. What key players should be involved in the Unified Command, what decisions need to be made, and how will the meeting be documented?
This week Cheryl Surface is back to answer all these questions and more in the second installment of this five-part planning section series. Listen in and check back next week for our third episode.
ICS-201 Incident Briefing
In this special episode of the Tactics Meeting, we start a five-episode trip around the Incident Command System planning cycle with renowned Planning Section Chief Cheryl Surface. We begin with the ICS-201 Incident Briefing, transfer of command, initial Incident Action Plan, and some tips and tricks from the school of hard knocks.
The Dose Makes the Poison
What does community air monitioring and safety entail in emergency response? What’s the difference between a toxicologist and an industrial hygienist? And where do these positions fall within the incident command structure? Angie Perez, from the Center of Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH), talks with us this week to answer all these questions and more.
Community Emergency Response with Bainbridge Prepares
This week's special guests Tammy Allen and Steward Waddles discuss Bainbridge Prepares, a nonprofit coalition of local departments and agencies coming together with the community to plan for disaster. Tune in to learn about how they, and their 600 volunteers, are creating preparedness plans for Bainbridge Island, and consider the deeper details involved with emergency response.
Emergency Radio Communication
The back end of radio communications has many moving parts, but one thing is certain; Preparing emergency radio communications is preparing for resiliency. This week we speak with the 101st Group Commander of the Military Auxiliary Radio Service (MARS), Pete Pritchard. Find out details about radio organization and the importance of radio communication in this week's episode.
ICS Application - Clarifying Objectives, Strategies, & Tactics
In this week's episode, we are talking about applying objectives, strategies, and tactics in the incident command system. What are the differences between these terms, how do they all work together, and what are some specific execution techniques you can use. Find out right here on episode 33 of The Tactics Meeting.
The Future of Crisis Communication
We feature our first large group panel on this special episode of the Tactics Meeting. Here to talk about the importance of crisis communication, we chat with Suzanne Lagoni, Liz Fuller, Dylan Darling, Lauren Wirtis, Nhi Irwin, and Sara Zeman. Hear about their experiences as communication PIO’s, students, and CEOs and find out what they think the future of crisis communication could look like.
International Bird Rescue
When it comes to animal rescue response, a lot more is required than just a few bottles of dawn soap. Barbara Callahan and JD Bergeron from the International Bird Rescue, speak with us this week about their work with all kinds of animals in emergency events. Find out why the IBR should be one of the first numbers on your call list and about all the steps & knowledge that go into successfully washing, stabilizing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals after a crisis.
Volunteer registration & coordination
With their own unique sets of skills, and a desire to help out, volunteers can play a key role in emergency response. But what are volunteers allowed to do in emergency response, and how do you coordinate them? Nhi Irwin, the Statewide Resource Section Manager of the Washington State Department of Ecology, explains just that in our 30th episode. She describes how to use an online system for volunteer registration & coordination, Northwest Area Contingency Plan policy, and other crucial information about the use of volunteers during a crisis.
Succeeding in the Response World with Kim Estes
Incident Commander and Emmy award-winning actor Kim Estes shares his incident response success tips. What is it like to be in charge, how do you know when to step up, and how are investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board handled? All of these questions and more, answered in this week's full-hour episode.
The Details & Job Tickets of Finance Operations
Deciphering the ins and outs of job tickets, invoices, checklist items, and audits can be a daunting affair during incident command. In this episode, we hear from Finance Section Chief of Gallagher Marine System, Eva Pomaranski, on overcoming & managing these financial tasks during an emergency.
A View Into Southeast Alaska Oil Spill Response
This week we hear from the General Manager of the Southeast Alaska Petroleum Response Organization (SeaPro), Dave Owings. Tune in as Dave explains oil spill response & challenges in Southeast Alaska, mutual aid with Canada, and his early days in oil spill response with Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC).
Formulating Successful Drills in the Virtual Space
Client Support, data security, usability, and accessibility are all key factors when it comes to virtual drill design. This week Agneta Dahl shares her knowledge of the virtual command post and how you can prepare for exercises while keeping best practices in mind. Learn about digital signatures, in-person vs. virtual communication, and digital documentation in the virtual command post so you can have successful drills in the virtual space.
Response Lessons from the Cosco Busan oil spill
Underestimated spill volume, poor visibility, and confusion were only some of the challenges Barry McFarland faced when he became Incident Commander in San Fransisco after the MV COSCO BUSAN collided with the Bay Bridge. When it comes to putting early response to the test, credibility is your number one tool. Six months of built-up trust can disappear in just a few response hours by releasing misleading information. The Captain of the Port found this out the hard way on day seven of this event when he was relieved as Federal On-Scene Coordinator because of a lack of confidence.
Preventing a drift grounding. Washington's emergency towing vessel.
There's a lot to be learned when it comes to the Washington State Emergency Response Towing Vessel. Why do we need it? Who pays for it? And how do I get coverage for my vessel? In this episode, we answer all these questions. Captain Moore, Captain Veentjer, Dale Jenson, and Sonja Larson explain the history, funding, and activation of the ERTV located at Neah Bay.
Back to business as usual?
This week we hear from, your host, Dan Smiley on the future of the virtual command post and how teaching, meeting, and learning online can be successful for everyone. All the same implementation, without the geographical boundaries.
Donnie Wilson, Inventor and X Prize Winner
Inventor of the drum skimmer, winner of the X Prize, and founder of Elastec, meet Donnie Wilson. This week we'll delve into Wilson's journey, hearing about his efforts to build the world's largest, most efficient, oil skimmer and further discuss his notion that careers do not run in a straight line.
Incident Safety Officer
In Episode 21 of The Tactics Meeting, I talk with Amy Duz from iWorkWise about an incident safety officer's OSHA requirements. We dive into the training and credentials required (if any) and then go down a rat hole talking about our own experiences.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Oil
In Episode 20 of The Tactics Meeting Podcast, I talk with Dr. Tom Coolbaugh about the chemistry of oil products and his journey from a bench chemist at Mobile Chemical Company to the oil spill response technology division at ExxonMobil.
Clean Pacific Conference
What will Clean Pacific be like this year? Should you attend in person or virtually? What is different from the pre-pandemic years? Will the sections be streamed live?
Cassie Davie and Carey Buchholtz from Clean Events talk to Dan Smiley about what we can expect from Clean Pacific this year.
Shoreline Response is not Just SCAT
In this 18th episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dr. Ed Owens guides us through setting up a shoreline cleanup program and the role of SCAT.
NRDA is in Play!
Should we exercise Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) during exercises? Can NRDA be separated from other response tasks? Join me and my guest Greg Challenger, President, and Marine Scientist at Polaris Applied Sciences, Inc., as we explore the NRDA process, its interconnectedness to all things environmental, and the appropriate time to activate an RP NRDA Liaison.
JIC Messaging - Getting it Right
Messaging is critical to the success of a response. So how do We get it right? The news cycle used to be 12 hours, and we could plan on putting out information at a press conference. Now the news cycle is five minutes or less, so when do we activate the PIO? What information can they put out without UC approval? What do we say when asked about spill volume, dispersants, and wildlife? These are hard questions. In this episode of the tactics meeting, Sam Sacco, President of Strategy & Communications, guides us through the answers. This episode is a must listen for any member of an incident management team.
Wildlife Response
Wildlife response during an oil spill is critical but often misunderstood. We see pictures of volunteers with soap and brushes cleaning oil from birds. But that cleaning is just a tiny part of the overall response to wildlife impacted by oil. How do you house an adult beaver that has evolved to chew through anything? How will Orca, seals, and other marine mammals be affected? In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Jenny Schlieps, and Chris Battaglia of Focus Wildlife take us on a journey to the wild kingdom.
Adventures in Marine Salvage
Todd Duke shares his experience with marine salvage from U.S. Navy damage control to shipboard firefighting. We discuss the history of salvage, salvage contracts, and the challenges of conducting salvage from within the Incident Command System.
Into The Great White North
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Robert Starkes shares the mission of Eastern Canada Response Corporation with its vast geographic area of responsibility stretching from western Alberta to the Atlantic coast. When I think of ECRC, I think of oil spill response in the maritime environment, but the reality encompasses so much more. With clients that comprise pipelines, rail, facilities, shipping, and offshore production, ECRC is one of the most diverse response organizations in the world.
A Tour of the Environment Unit
Aprils 23rd, 2021 - In Episode 12, we go on a virtual tour of the Environmental Unit with Dr. Elliott Taylor from Polaris Applied Sciences. Elliott and I talk about EU staffing, net environmental benefit, alternative response strategies, trajectory forecasting, and much more. A must-hear episode of The Tactics Meeting!
IAEM Certified Emergency Management
April 14th, 2021 - In this episode of the Tactics Meeting, Randy Ashmore explains the certified emergency manager certification program offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Oil Spill Trajectory Forecasting
April 6th, 2021 - How does trajectory modeling work? For 45 years, Dr. Jerry Galt has worked on the problem of forecasting how spilled oil will travel in the ocean. Starting with a PDP8 computer and then an Apple II, Dr. Galt developed focusing models that eventually became GNOME.
Burn Burn Burn!
May 15th, 2021 - In This episode of The Tactics meeting, Al Allen explains how he went from a physics career to oil spill response to in-situ burning during Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon. Al is the author of Clues Can Light The Way.
Resource Tracking on the Web
March 8th, 2021 - Genwest's John Murphy, Brianna Yearwood, Al Hielscher, and Lexter Tapawan introduce online resource tracking with WRRLTracWeb.
WRRL.World
March 1st, 2021 - In This episode of The Tactics meeting Scott Knutson (USCG Ret) and Sonja Larson (Washington Department of Ecology) tell the story of the birth of the Western Response Resource List. The story takes us from the Nestucca oil spill, Exxon Valdez, OPA-90, Deepwater Horizon, and finally to the International Maritime Organization and International Offers of Assistance.
IOSA Reborn
February 15th, 2021 - Tony Parkin joins Island Oil Spill Association as Executive Director, steering rebirth of a 30-year-old volunteer organization.
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Michael Lowry and I discuss WCMRC's equipment expansion, Incident Management Team responsibilities, responder immunity, coastal mapping, and
dispersant application. You can check out their website at http://wcmrc.com.
PIO Community Messaging
February 1st, 2021 - Send a clear message to your community during a response with guest Suzanne Lagoni.
Triage in a Tent
January 25th, 2021 - Loss of power, dwindling supplies, and lack of staff, guest Liesl Peterson shares her experience as a hospital emergency manager.
Drones and Emergency Response
January 18th, 2021 - Using drones to gather tactical data, direct responders, and update the Common Operating Picture has become all the rage. In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we are joined by drone pilot Dave Sawicki and GIS expert Larry Ryan to look at some of the legal and practical issues involved in leveraging this technology
GIS and Emergency Response
January 11th, 2021 - The Tactics Meeting podcast is designed for emergency responders and other IMT members. In this episode, Larry Ryan shares how he got into GIS and manages and shares a Common operating picture.
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