KINGS POINT, N.Y., February 2, 2023 – On Monday, January 23, The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) held its first Mariner Safety and Security Day.

The day began with Capt. Todd Kutkiewicz, Director of the Office of Cadet At-Sea Training welcoming, faculty, staff and the Regiment of Midshipmen to Ackerman Auditorium, and introducing Vice Adm. Joanna M. Nunan, USMS, USMMA Superintendent, Rear Adm. Ann C. Phillips, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Maritime Administrator, Rear Adm. Wayne R. Arguin, Jr, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy and Mr. Jeremy Gauthier, Director USCG Investigative Service (CGIS). Each spoke briefly about their role in the ongoing efforts to support culture change in the maritime industry.

Then, Kutkiewicz gave an overview of the Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Program and invited Mr. Anton Tripolskii, Director of USMMA’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) to explain the different reporting options that are available victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). After lunch with the regiment, the group returned to Ackerman Auditorium where they joined Lucinda Lessley, Deputy Maritime Administrator, Capt. Jason Neubauer, USCG Chief, Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis, and Ms. Mayte Medina, USCG Chief, Office of Merchant Mariner Credentials, for a panel discussion on SASH Response and Accountability in the Maritime Industry. The panel was moderated by Dr. Shashi Kumar, PhD, Deputy Associate Administrator National Coordinator for Maritime Education and Training. After each panelist explained their role, they took questions from the audience.  

The afternoon concluded with the first EMBARC Quarterly Meeting to be held at USMMA. The event welcomed marine personnel leadership from commercial and military vessel operators, so they could hear the latest EMBARC developments directly from Maritime Administration and Coast Guard leadership. Midshipmen were also invited to participate in-person or remotely. The attendees discussed many important provisions of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act and how they strengthen ongoing efforts to combat sexual assault and harassment, strengthen safety in the maritime industry, and support culture change across the entire merchant marine.

Maritime Administrator Phillips told midshipmen that “EMBARC is now the law of the land and that before a carrier can train one of our midshipmen, they must first comply with EMBARC. In addition, as it relates to MARAD’s Maritime Security, Tanker Security and Cable Security Fleet programs, carriers must now, by law, comply with EMBARC as a requirement of receiving funding from the Federal government, and they must make their ships available to carry Academy Midshipmen.”

Phillips was also very happy to share that there are now 14 commercial carriers operating more than 130 vessels enrolled in EMBARC and several additional applications are pending. She said, “thank you to everyone who has enrolled in EMBARC and to everyone who has worked to advance the culture change that is so critical to strengthening this vital industry.”

Vice Admiral Joanna M. Nunan said, “I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to be with our midshipmen and show their dedication to safety at sea. USMMA’s motto is Acta Non Verba, the actions of MARAD, the Coast Guard, and industry leadership means so much to our midshipmen and all who serve aboard US-Flag vessels.”