A Virtual Event Exploring All Too Real Risks

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The pandemic highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities in many ways, from mariners quarantined aboard vessels to port congestion due to COVID-driven surges in e-commerce. Another impact: the 11th Annual Maritime Risk Symposium, scheduled for November 1-5, will be a virtual event, says an article published on Marine link website. 

Must do event

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS) is for many a “must do” event in November. This year’s addition of the Arctic track helps put a sharp focus on the challenges and opportunities to leverage in advancing U.S. national interests in a region which, at its core, is maritime. 

Who hosted this event?

The internationally recognized Maritime Risk Symposium will be hosted by the University of Houston’s College of Technology, which will stream the event. 

Last year’s MRS, hosted by the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute at the University of Illinois, was also held virtually, and was a great success with over 500 attendees despite the challenges at the time.

11th Maritime Risk Symposium

The 11th Maritime Risk Symposium will bring together executives, leaders and researchers from government agencies and maritime industries to examine emerging risks, challenges, research and technology in the maritime sector. 

The distinguished keynote and plenary speakers reflect the symposium’s superb reputation as a forum for insightful discussion and analysis.

Keynote and plenary speakers

  • Lucinda Lessley, acting administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration
  • Rear Adm. Michael Ryan, commander, Cyber Command, U.S. Coast Guard
  • Rear Adm. Lars Saunes, Royal Norwegian Navy, retired
  • Rear Adm. Richard Timme, commander, District 8, U.S. Coast Guard

Additional speakers and session chairs hail from around the world, and represent the very best of their professions, from law and cyber to biofuels and robotics. The diversity of topics and speakers will allow exploration of topics from every perspective.

MRS six tracks

This year’s MRS is organized around six tracks, each representing a distinct field of maritime activity and chaired by leaders in their fields. The formal track concentrations are:

  • Decarbonization and Transition to Green Technologies track chaired by Dr. John Hummel, Argonne National Laboratory
  • Autonomous Vessels and Systems track chaired by Rear Adm. John Crowley, retired from U.S. Coast Guard
  • Maritime Cybersecurity track chaired by Professor Scott Blough, Tiffin University
  • Security and Resilience of Maritime Supply Chain track chaired by Mark Dupont, National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy
  • Arctic Maritime track chaired by Maj. Gen. Randy “Church” Key, retired from U.S. Air Force and former executive director, Arctic Domain Awareness Center University of Alaska – Anchorage
  • The Human Element track chaired by Dr. Henry Willis, RAND Corporation

While the MRS has always highlighted cutting-edge technology, the inclusion of the Human Element reflects a commitment to the actual human beings who serve on vessels, in ports and supporting aspects of the industry. 

Student research poster competition

An increasingly popular event is the Student Research Poster Competition. This is an opportunity for high school, undergraduate and graduate-level students to contribute to the field of maritime risk, gain professional recognition and build a network of like-minded students, colleagues and mentors. 

Our virtual format actually facilitates student participation since many students could not afford to attend in person. Last year’s MRS hosted 42 different student submissions and even more are expected this year.

As the students provide enthusiasm and innovation, the more “seasoned” at MRS have a chance to foster that energy through the Senior Mentor Breakfast. In this event, students from the mentors to discuss issues in the maritime industry, receive career advice, and challenge the so-called experts.

Summary 

  • The pandemic highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities in many ways, from mariners quarantined aboard vessels to port congestion due to COVID-driven surges in e-commerce.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS) is for many a “must do” event in November.
  • This year’s MRS is organized around six tracks, each representing a distinct field of maritime activity and chaired by leaders in their fields.
  • Student Research Poster Competition is an opportunity for high school, undergraduate and graduate-level students to contribute to the field of maritime risk.

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Source: marine link