Thursday, June 2, 2011
Iceberg Ahoy?
Towing an iceberg to more quench some of the worlds thirst no longer science fiction but reality? Check out 'Times' Article on the subject here and when your done check out Explorer's Guide Towing Course here.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Counterfeit TWICs
Based on this report by gcaptain we suspect we will be seeing more restrains placed on the merchant mariners
Federal Investigators Breach Ports With Counterfeit TWICs
By John Konrad
From day one the Department of Homeland Security’s TWIC program has faced opposition from mariners and security experts who have raised questions about its security features (like biometrics). Today the government accountability office has released a 64 page report targeted at the question “To what extent has DHS assessed the effectiveness of TWIC, and does the Coast Guard have effective systems in place to measure compliance?“. In addition to the report, which is critical of the TWIC program, the GOA made recommendation:
Among other things, GAO recommends that DHS assess TWIC program internal controls to identify needed corrective actions, assess TWIC’s effectiveness, and use the information to identify effective and cost-efficient methods for meeting program objectives. DHS concurred with all of the recommendations.
The report comes after undercover government investigators were able to get into major U.S. seaports — at one point driving a vehicle containing a simulated explosive — by flashing counterfeit or fraudulently obtained port “credentials” to security officials — raising serious questions about the program which, to date, has issued more than 1.6 million TWIC cards.
In addition to port entry, the undercover investigators conducted covert tests at enrollment centers and found that counterfeit documents could be used to obtain legitimate TWIC cards. Specifically, the report states, “the TWIC program’s background checking processes are not designed to routinely consider the results of controls in place for assessing whether an applicant’s identity documents are authentic.” They also found other ways for a unqualified individuals, including illegal immigrants, to acquire an authentic TWIC.
In response to the report Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-New Jersey told CNN “This investigation raises a disturbing question: Are America’s ports actually safer now than they were a decade ago?” and said “Not only were they able to access the port facilities, but they were able to drive a vehicle with a simulated explosive into a secure area,” he said.
Federal Investigators Breach Ports With Counterfeit TWICs
By John Konrad
From day one the Department of Homeland Security’s TWIC program has faced opposition from mariners and security experts who have raised questions about its security features (like biometrics). Today the government accountability office has released a 64 page report targeted at the question “To what extent has DHS assessed the effectiveness of TWIC, and does the Coast Guard have effective systems in place to measure compliance?“. In addition to the report, which is critical of the TWIC program, the GOA made recommendation:
Among other things, GAO recommends that DHS assess TWIC program internal controls to identify needed corrective actions, assess TWIC’s effectiveness, and use the information to identify effective and cost-efficient methods for meeting program objectives. DHS concurred with all of the recommendations.
The report comes after undercover government investigators were able to get into major U.S. seaports — at one point driving a vehicle containing a simulated explosive — by flashing counterfeit or fraudulently obtained port “credentials” to security officials — raising serious questions about the program which, to date, has issued more than 1.6 million TWIC cards.
In addition to port entry, the undercover investigators conducted covert tests at enrollment centers and found that counterfeit documents could be used to obtain legitimate TWIC cards. Specifically, the report states, “the TWIC program’s background checking processes are not designed to routinely consider the results of controls in place for assessing whether an applicant’s identity documents are authentic.” They also found other ways for a unqualified individuals, including illegal immigrants, to acquire an authentic TWIC.
In response to the report Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-New Jersey told CNN “This investigation raises a disturbing question: Are America’s ports actually safer now than they were a decade ago?” and said “Not only were they able to access the port facilities, but they were able to drive a vehicle with a simulated explosive into a secure area,” he said.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
One strike and you're out.
The Pacific Maritime Association enforces its long-standing "one-strike rule" policy, under which any applicant who fails a standard drug test is eliminated from consideration for employment and permanently disqualified from future employment.
More and more maritime groups and employers are looking at this "one strike" policy. Read more about what the policy prohibits and if it would affect you by clicking here.
More and more maritime groups and employers are looking at this "one strike" policy. Read more about what the policy prohibits and if it would affect you by clicking here.
Friday, April 15, 2011
National Maritime Center improves medical review process.
One of the worst frustrations mariners encounter during the licensing process is the painstaking medical review. And the worst part about that was that there was no one at the NMC to actually speak to about questions or concerns regarding medical review. Well mariners have spoken up and the NMC has answered with the addition of a medical review officer available through the help desk to finally answer those tough questions.
Actions to Improve Mariner Medical Evaluations Processing April 12, 2011
(For the complete memo visit us at MyCaptainsclass.com)
The Commanding Officer of the National Maritime Center (NMC) has made several changes within the Mariner Medical Evaluations Division in order to improve customer service, while ensuring marine and public safety remains the priority for Mariner credentialing at the NMC.
1) Add a Mariner Medical Point of Contact: The NMC has assigned a full-lime, on-call government medical evaluator to receive calls from mariners and their physicians regarding their submitted applications. They can be contacted through the NMC Help Desk at 1-888-427-5662
2) Increase in Government Medical Personnel: Over the past 24 months. the Coast Guard has significantly increased the number of permanent government medical screeners, evaluators and reviewers.
3) New Medical Services Contract: In December of 2010, the Coast Guard awarded a new Medical Evaluations and Services contract to RGB Group Inc. of Miami, Florida. Adjustments to the review and processing of medical applications have been transitioned to the new contract provider and many revisions and improvements.
4) Adjustments to Medical Screening Procedures: Within the past several weeks, the NMC has conducted processing reviews in the medical state of application processing. These reviews have identified some measures for adjustment and alignment with the regulations. Incomplete medical applications remain the single largest cause for delays.
Updates will be made to the medical information on the NMC website to more clearly explain requirements and to improve our customer service in this area. Currently the average net processing for mariners without medical issues or lower risk medical reviews remains at around 16 days.
Actions to Improve Mariner Medical Evaluations Processing April 12, 2011
(For the complete memo visit us at MyCaptainsclass.com)
The Commanding Officer of the National Maritime Center (NMC) has made several changes within the Mariner Medical Evaluations Division in order to improve customer service, while ensuring marine and public safety remains the priority for Mariner credentialing at the NMC.
1) Add a Mariner Medical Point of Contact: The NMC has assigned a full-lime, on-call government medical evaluator to receive calls from mariners and their physicians regarding their submitted applications. They can be contacted through the NMC Help Desk at 1-888-427-5662
2) Increase in Government Medical Personnel: Over the past 24 months. the Coast Guard has significantly increased the number of permanent government medical screeners, evaluators and reviewers.
3) New Medical Services Contract: In December of 2010, the Coast Guard awarded a new Medical Evaluations and Services contract to RGB Group Inc. of Miami, Florida. Adjustments to the review and processing of medical applications have been transitioned to the new contract provider and many revisions and improvements.
4) Adjustments to Medical Screening Procedures: Within the past several weeks, the NMC has conducted processing reviews in the medical state of application processing. These reviews have identified some measures for adjustment and alignment with the regulations. Incomplete medical applications remain the single largest cause for delays.
Updates will be made to the medical information on the NMC website to more clearly explain requirements and to improve our customer service in this area. Currently the average net processing for mariners without medical issues or lower risk medical reviews remains at around 16 days.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Boat Captain Training Approved Under Workforce Investment Act
Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training, based out of Appleton, Wisconsin, was just approved as an eligible training provider through the Bay Area Workforce Development Board under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Those who qualify for WIA programs can now receive the necessary education for a merchant mariner’s license (Captain’s license) through Explorer’s Guide to get back into the workforce.
“This is great news,” states Captain Gary Kulibert, lead instructor for Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training. “The addition of this funding adds to the variety of financial assistance options for our students. Displaced workers and other adults affected by lay-offs or business closings in the economic downturn now have a chance to get their Captain’s license and a new start in an exciting career field.”
This Wisconsin approval also permits people in other areas of the country to work with their local workforce development boards and case workers to determine if they qualify for this job retraining opportunity. “With this new approval, we already are helping an individual in Montana get his license for a job in Alaska,” says Kulibert. “This is a terrific opportunity to develop added skills in the competitive maritime trade.”
Explorer’s Guide offers accredited classroom, online, and blended maritime courses. Applicants should meet the minimum USCG requirements for a license. Individualized degree programs in the maritime trade are also available through a partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. For more information, contact Captain Gary at (800) 487-6029 or go to the website www.mycaptainsclass.com.
Interview Contact: Gary Kulibert,
Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training
3019 W Spencer St,
Appleton, Wisconsin, 54914
Tel: 800-487-6029
gary@explorers-guide.com
http://www.explorersguidellc.com
“This is great news,” states Captain Gary Kulibert, lead instructor for Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training. “The addition of this funding adds to the variety of financial assistance options for our students. Displaced workers and other adults affected by lay-offs or business closings in the economic downturn now have a chance to get their Captain’s license and a new start in an exciting career field.”
This Wisconsin approval also permits people in other areas of the country to work with their local workforce development boards and case workers to determine if they qualify for this job retraining opportunity. “With this new approval, we already are helping an individual in Montana get his license for a job in Alaska,” says Kulibert. “This is a terrific opportunity to develop added skills in the competitive maritime trade.”
Explorer’s Guide offers accredited classroom, online, and blended maritime courses. Applicants should meet the minimum USCG requirements for a license. Individualized degree programs in the maritime trade are also available through a partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. For more information, contact Captain Gary at (800) 487-6029 or go to the website www.mycaptainsclass.com.
Interview Contact: Gary Kulibert,
Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training
3019 W Spencer St,
Appleton, Wisconsin, 54914
Tel: 800-487-6029
gary@explorers-guide.com
http://www.explorersguidellc.com
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Explorer's Guide Joins Linked In
For all of you that enjoy following us on our blog or Facebook join us in our new adventure on Linked In. Explorer's Guide not only let you take your classroom with you with our many great online and blended options, we also let you take trade news with you as well. Join in for all the latest news and updates right here or on one of our many other media outlets.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Our New Office Has Opened!
Explorer's Guide has finally made the big move to our new office in Appleton Wisconsin. The Office Staff includes Lead Instructor Gary Kulibert, Owner and head of Marketing, Brenda Kulibert and New to the Staff, Student Manager, Ben Korinek. Stop on down to meet the crew and check out our new digs at 3019 West Spencer Street in Appleton today!
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