Findlay, Ohio –J. Randal Van Dyne, executive director of The University of Findlay’s School of Environmental and Emergency Management (SEEM), announced today that the U.S. Maritime Administration and Det Norske Veritas (a U.S. Coast Guard - accepted Quality Standards System organization) have granted certification to the University’s maritime security training class titled “MARSEC for Facility Security Officers.”

The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to comply with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002, and the United States Coast Guard requirements for the position of facility security officer. The course focuses on a balanced combination of accurate regulatory information, risk-based assessment techniques, and practical based security and threat identification information. The course prepares students to effectively meet today’s constantly challenging security requirements.

“Our maritime security offerings are an integral part of the transportation security curriculum available at The University of Findlay,” Mark Alliman, project manager of SEEM’s Center for Terrorism Preparedness, explained. “This important certification for our port facility security officer class is an indication of the quality of training available through the University.”

The course, “MARSEC for Facility Security Officers,” meets and exceeds the requirements set forth in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), relevant U.S. Coast Guard regulations including 33 CFR 105, and the International Maritime Organization model course Port Facility Security Officer (3.21).

The University of Findlay is currently the only source for this training in Ohio, and is also the only certified training provider for this class in the Great Lakes area.

For more information on UF’s SEEM, contact Mark Alliman at 419-434-4135, e-mail malliman@findlay.edu, or visit www.findlay.edu Keyword: SEEM.