THUNDER BAY – Over 75 Thunder Bay port workers went back to class last week in an ongoing effort to comply with increasingly stringent international security regulations, and to work to create a more secure port environment. Gathering at Lakehead University and at port facilities in Thunder Bay, participants including port managers, security officers and workers from across port operations completed a number of courses provided by Transport Canada recognized training provider MacDonnell Group.
“Our recent programs in Thunder Bay were some of the most efficient, comprehensive and interactive that I’ve delivered,” said seasoned trainer Jeffrey Jenkins, PMP, CD. “That is in large part as a result of the leadership shown by the port of Thunder Bay Port Authority, leadership that is needed to take Canadian maritime security efforts to the next level.”
Under Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security regulations, port and terminal operators that receive large international-class vessels must comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules, which include having all port workers trained in security. Richardson Terminal Manager Gerry Heinrichs sent over 50 of his staff to MacDonnell’s training, an enthusiastic display of his terminal’s commitment to leadership in safety and security.
“Employees appreciated receiving some understanding of the maritime security world and the role they have in it” said Heinrichs, “Putting safety and security first is the most important part of our mandate. We have made security training a priority, and with the highly effective MacDonnell training programs have taken huge strides in further securing our terminal and the surrounding area.”
MacDonnell has been part of Transport Canada programs since 2004, training over 3000 Canadians since that time. And is the only Canadian organization to provide maritime security training from coast to coast. Important changes are on the horizon to do with the regulatory requirements of MTSR in Canada and MSTA in the United States. The company recently received official Transport Canada Recognized Training Institution Status which allows them to continue with the most up to date training programs.
“Maintaining official Transport Canada recognition and bringing training to the maritime workforce in all regions of Canada is part of our corporate commitment to increasing the competitiveness of the maritime industry” said company President Ralston MacDonnell. “A well trained workforce is an efficient workforce and we commend the Thunder Bay operators for investing in their employees.”
MacDonnell has been providing engineering and management consulting services to its clients for over 50 years. The company has developed broad interests in port management and seaport security training, offering MARAD and Transport Canada approved instructor-led and web-based training solutions for the 3.5-4 million port workers in North America. In recent years, MacDonnell has begun marketing the PortStar™ web-based Seaport Security Training System for United States ports, and now offers the CPE Certified Port Executive Program™ in both the United States and Canada. In May 2013, MacDonnell will host the seventh annual Port Security Conference of Canada in Ottawa, Canada, and the second annual Port Security Operations Conference and Expo in Port everglades, Florida.
For additional information about Transport Canada’s Recognition Programs.
