Episodes
-
The Jones Act: Emergency Waivers, Maritime Jobs, and National Security
What is the Jones Act—and why does this century-old maritime law still matter? Dan Smiley is joined by Sarah Fryer, Director of Government Affairs at Centerline Logistics, and Mark Curtis, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs and Resilience at Fairwater. Together, they explain the Jones Act’s...
-
Maritime Emergencies: What Every First Responder Needs to Know
Maritime emergencies are unlike any other incident that local fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies will face. Ships have their own command structure, specialized crews, unique hazards, and response resources that most first responders rarely encounter—until the day everything goes wrong. In…
more -
Beyond the Safety Plan: Culture, Adaptation, and Risk
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dan Smiley convenes an expert panel to explore the evolving role of the Safety Officer in complex emergency responses. Drawing on lessons from maritime incidents, accident investigations, and even Charles Darwin’s concept of adaptability, the discussion...
-
Help Is Not Coming: Cascadia, Continuity, and the Marine Exchange Watch Floor
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dan sits down with Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director of the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, for a practical conversation about what “response readiness” actually looks like in the Pacific Northwest—when the weather’s bad, systems fail, and you still…
more -
The Hardest Job in the Room
In this episode, Dan sits down with Mark Curtis—Senior Director of Safety Programs and DPA at Fairwater, and board president of the Washington State Maritime Cooperative—for a deep dive into the planning section. They work through what makes the planning section chief role the hardest job in the...
-
Drills on Repeat: Why It’s Time to Rethink Exercises
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we take a hard, honest look at how drills and exercises are designed—and why doing them the same way we have for the last 20 years may no longer be serving responders, organizations, or the public. Joined by an experienced panel—Liesl Peterson, Agneta Dahl,...
-
After the Flames: ONE Henry Hudson, Air Monitoring, General Average, and Regional Ship-Fire Readiness
In this episode, we step back from the headlines to look at what ship fires keep teaching us—again and again. We talk through the realities of marine firefighting response, how communities can track air quality during smoke events, and why “general average” can suddenly matter a lot when cargo is...
-
Maritime Cybersecurity: IT, OT, and the Evolving Threat Landscape
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dan Smiley gathers a roundtable of experts to tackle the invisible but growing threat to the maritime industry: Cyber Security. We are joined by first-time guest Charles Grau from Fairwater, who brings his background in aerospace and the to the table....
-
Vessels of Opportunity Under Fire: What the Coast Guard Gets Wrong
Vessels of Opportunity were never meant to be dedicated assets. They’re a planning concept—local vessels identified for possible use, evaluated and activated only if and when they’re actually needed. In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we’re joined by Vince Mitchell, Incident Commander for…
more -
Gallagher Marine Systems Preview – WSMC Member Preparedness Conference
In this short preview episode of The Tactics Meeting, host Dan Smiley sits down with Tom Wiker, President of Gallagher Marine Systems, to talk about his upcoming presentation at the WSMC Member Preparedness Conference on October 23 in Tacoma, Washington. Gallagher Marine Systems serves as the...
-
From Rulemaking to Response: Friends of the San Juans on Protecting the Salish Sea
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dan Smiley talks with Lovel Pratt of Friends of the San Juans about the group's participation in Washington State’s oil spill rulemaking process, their concerns around increased tanker traffic near the San Juan Islands, and the risks posed by non-floating...
-
Lessons from the Grande Costa D’Avorio Fire: A Panel Review of the NTSB Report
In this special panel episode, we unpack the National Transportation Safety Board’s findings on the 2023 fire aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio at Port Newark—a devastating incident that claimed the lives of two Newark firefighters and exposed critical gaps in shipboard fire response readiness....
-
Shipboard Firefighting Lessons with Bill Burket: From the Spirit of Norfolk to the Grande Costa D’Avorio
In this episode, I sit down with Bill Burket, a seasoned maritime emergency responder and expert witness at the U.S. Coast Guard hearing on the Grande Costa D’Avorio fire. Bill brings decades of experience in shipboard firefighting and port response coordination, including his firsthand…
more -
All-Hazards, All In: Doug Schuster and the EMSI Approach to Incident Management
In this episode, we sit down with Doug Schuster, Operations Manager at Emergency Management Services International, Inc. (EMSI), a premier all-hazards, full-service, multi-discipline incident management and emergency management services provider. With over 30 years of experience in incident and...
-
Washington’s 2025 BAP Update: What’s Changing in Oil Spill Contingency Planning
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we dive into Washington State’s 2025 Best Achievable Protection (BAP) initiative—a comprehensive effort to update oil spill contingency planning regulations under WAC 173-182 and WAC 173-186. Host Dan Smiley explains how the Department of Ecology kicked off...
-
Navigating Crisis: Insights from RADM Meredith Austin, USCG (Ret.) on Emergency Management Leadership
In this episode, we sit down with RADM Meredith Austin, USCG (Ret.), to explore her distinguished career in emergency management and her pivotal roles in some of the most challenging disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response. We discuss the vital contributions of the U.S.…
more -
Protecting Our Waters: Ed Levine Talks NOAA’s Vital Role in Oil Spill Response
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we sit down with Ed Levine, former NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator, to discuss the crucial role NOAA plays in oil spill response. Ed shares his experiences advising the U.S. Coast Guard during major incidents and explains how NOAA’s scientific expertise...
-
Rethinking Readiness with Jeffery Schlegelmilch
In this enlightening episode of "The Tactics Meeting," we sit down with Jeffery Schlegelmilch, the renowned expert in disaster preparedness and the author of "Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to Twenty-First Century Megadisasters." Join us as we delve into the critical themes of his...
-
Constant Chaos: Environmental Protection Strategies with Ron Holcomb
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we are joined by Ron Holcomb, the author of "Constant Chaos, the Battle to Protect the Environment." Ron shares his extensive experience and insights into the challenges and strategies of environmental protection. We dive into the dramatic and impactful...
-
Salvaging the Golden Ray: An Insider's Perspective with Capt. Matt Baer, USCG (Ret.)
In this episode of "The Tactics Meeting," we sit down with Matt Baer, a retired United States Coast Guard captain and the current Deputy Director of Emergency Management for Gallagher Marine Systems. Matt shares his extensive experience and insights as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the...
-
Harnessing AI for Effective Emergency Response: Innovations and Challenges
In this episode of THE TACTICS MEETING podcast, we sit down with Cris Ippolite, President and Founder of iSolutions, to discuss his extensive experience implementing AI solutions for a major fire department in Texas. Cris, an award-winning trainer and AI strategist, has been instrumental in…
more -
Innovating the Common Operating Picture with Larry Ryan of NJ Resources
In this episode of THE TACTICS MEETING podcast, we sit down with Larry Ryan from NJ Resources to explore the latest advancements in developing and displaying the common operating picture. Join us as we delve into updated map layers and a dedicated wildlife branch interface, designed to enhance...
-
Navigating Crisis: A Deep Dive into emergency response with Roger LaFerriere, Capt. USCG Ret.
In this riveting episode of the "Tactics Meeting" podcast, we sit down with Captain Roger LaFerriere, who served as the Coast Guard Incident Commander during the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill. Captain LaFerriere shares his firsthand experiences managing one of the largest environmental disasters...
-
Mastering Crisis Communication: Inside the New JIC and Liaison Manual
In this episode, join us for an exclusive preview of the newly updated Joint Information Center (JIC) and Liaison Manual of the Northwest Regional Contingency Plan, along with insights into the upcoming Communications Workshop in Portland on April 3rd, 2024. Our guests, Suzanne Lagoni, Principal…
more -
Liaison Officer with Jim Butler
In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the critical role of the Liaison Officer within the Incident Command System, an essential framework for emergency response coordination. With the expertise of our guest, Jim Butler, a seasoned professional in the field, we explore the intricacies of...
-
LNG Safety Conference
In this special episode, brought to you by a collaboration between The Tactics Meeting Podcast and Crowley Maritime, , we dive into the intricate world of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), exploring its science, inherent dangers, and the critical measures in place for its safe handling and…
more -
Engaging the Next Generation of Responders
In this enlightening fifth session of our podcast series, host Mark Curtis, a renowned expert in Emergency Management and Business Continuity, delves into the critical topic of engaging and nurturing the next generation of emergency responders. Mark explores the unique challenges facing the...
-
Empowering the Next Generation: Strategies for Recruiting Young Talent
Focus on the challenges facing the industry in getting new blood into the pipeline and what different organizations are doing to engage the next generation of responders. Host: Mark Curtis, Director Emergency Management & Business Continuity Tom Wiker, President, Gallagher Marine Systems Patrick...
-
New Technologies for Oil Spill Response
In this riveting episode, we bring you a recording of a session from The Tactics Conference, where industry experts gather to discuss the latest advancements in oil spill response technologies. With the increasing challenges posed by environmental concerns, it's crucial to stay updated with the...
-
All Hands on Deck: Unified Command in Shipboard Firefighting
Join our panel of experts as we delve into the intricate realm of marine firefighting, emphasizing the crucial role of a unified command. This episode sheds light on the unique challenges of combating fires on ships, highlighting the differences from structural firefighting. We'll discuss the...
-
Women in Power in Emergency Response - The Tactics Conference Session 1
Tune in for an enlightening episode that pays tribute to the remarkable contributions and leadership of women in the realm of emergency response. Hosted by Jenny Johnson, CEO of Maritime Inclusion Partners, we dive deep into the accomplishments, hurdles, and prospects for women who have risen to...
-
Beyond Instinct: The Power of Training in Bystander Responses to Active Shooter Events
Welcome to 'Surviving Violent Encounters in the Workplace,' where we dive deep into the nuances of personal and collective safety in professional settings. This episode features guest Randy Ashmore from Training Concepts, bringing with him a legacy of training that spans over half a century. A...
-
Bracing for Impact: A Deep Dive into County Emergency Management for the Cascadia Subduction Zone Event
In this episode, we navigate the complexities and intricacies of preparing for a disaster of immense magnitude - the potential cataclysm unleashed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Join us as we explore the preparations, strategies, and collaborations that go into emergency management at the…
more -
A Proactive Approach: Unveiling Washington’s Oil Spill Prevention Program
Join us for an insightful episode as we take an exclusive look into the inner workings of Washington State's Oil Spill Prevention Program. In a captivating interview with Sara Thompson, Vessel and Oil Transfer Unit Supervisor of the Spills Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program at the...
-
Emergency Unplugged: The Imperative of Prioritizing Internet Access for Crisis Response
Welcome to 'Emergency Unplugged: The Imperative of Prioritizing Internet Access for Crisis Response,' where we delve into the urgent need for reliable connectivity during emergencies. In an era where the internet is the backbone of communication, its stability during crises is paramount. Tune in…
more -
Harnessing Teams for Virtual Command: Best Practices from Industry Leaders
In this dynamic panel podcast episode, host Dan Smiley brings together a stellar lineup of industry professionals from the Washington Department of Ecology, Crowley Maritime, WSMC, and Amergent Techs. They delve into the ins and outs of using Microsoft Teams as a virtual command post for managing...
-
The Coast Guard’s Voice: Inside the Life of a USCG Public Affairs Officer
In this episode, we sit down with LT Stephen Nolan, a Public Affairs Officer in the United States Coast Guard's District 13. As the face of the USCG, LT Nolan shares his insights into the critical role of public affairs officers in the Coast Guard and what it takes to effectively communicate with...
-
Preventing Disaster: The Importance of membership in the Washington State Maritime Cooperative Umbrella Oil Spill Response Plan.
In this episode, we explore the importance of having a solid plan in place for oil spill response in Washington State, particularly when a ship arrives in the region. We delve into the specifics of the Washington State Maritime Cooperative umbrella plan and how it can be utilized to ensure...
-
Navigating the Seas with iNavX: A Guide to Oil Spill Response and Common Situation Mapping
Join us on our latest episode as we dive into the world of navigation with iNavX - the ultimate program for mariners. We'll explore how this powerful tool helps you navigate the seas with confidence, but also the vital role it plays in oil spill response. Discover how iNavX's common situation map...
-
Coast Guard’s Eye in the Sky: An Inside Look at the UAV Program
Are you ready to take a flight into the future of coastal surveillance? Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technology behind the United States Coast Guard's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. From the skies to the seas, we'll take you on a journey to discover how UAVs are revolutionizing the…
more -
Maritime Cyber Security
Can ships get hacked? Yep! In this episode, Eric Wilson from the USCG introduces the cyber security threat facing the maritime industry.
-
Conducting the Command and General Staff Meeting
In this episode of The Tactics meeting, Cheryl Surface gives expert guidance on conducting the Command and General Staff meeting.
-
The Response Group and Jetty in Crisis Communications
Calling all JIC members! This week Erika Lamberth joins us from The Response Group to discuss her experience as a communications and marketing advisor in the crisis communication world. Find out how she found her way to emergency management, what PIO qualifications can typically look like and…
more -
Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in Washington
What is new and upcoming in oil spill regulation in Washington State? Matt Bissell, Acting Preparedness Section Manager at the Department of Ecology, gives us the answer in this presentation at the WSMC annual seminar.
-
Wildlife Branch Director
In this episode, Brian MacDonald, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, shares his experience as Wildlife Branch Director.
-
Using custom applications to solve common response issues
It was great to see John and Kate from Portage Bay Solutions at Clean Pacific with their new ICS-213RR Resource Request application. They have been helping me with custom ICS solutions since 2012. In this great episode of The Tactics Meeting, we discuss developing custom applications, creating…
more -
96 Hour Checklist - NWACP Communications Workshop
In this presentation given by Darcy Bird of the Washington State Department of Ecology at the NWACP Communications Workshop, we examine the 96-Hour checklist from the Northwest Area Contingency Plan. This checklist is designed to guide response leadership in identifying priorities and tasks…
more -
Social Media During Response - NWACP Communications Workshop
What social media platforms are our target audience using? What channels will get the best engagement? Should the JIC use TikTok? In this presentation given at the Northwest Area Contingency Plan Communications Workshop by Sara Zeman, Communication Coordinator at the Marine Exchange of Puget…
more -
Clean Pacific 2022
If you have not decided if you will attend the CLEAN PACIFIC CONFERENCE this year, watch this preview with Carey Buchholtz and Cassie Davie. If you are already planning to attend, this interview will get you in the mood! I hope to see ALL of you there!
-
Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU)
What is the role Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) in response to maritime emergencies? In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we examine the MTSRU with LCDR S.I. Looney, U.S. Coast Guard.
About this show
Dan Smiley talks to emergency response and oil spill subject matter experts about emergency response tactics and technology.
Hosted by
Terminus Inc
Categories