The recent wave of pirate hijackings has focused the world’s attention on the increased need to protect vessels from criminal activities on the sea. Drawing on rich local expertise, this forum will be the third of a series of hearings and briefings that will explore how vessels can best protect themselves at sea and what the United States and international forces can do to assist in this effort.
Congressman Bill Delahunt will call upon maritime experts to educate the Subcommittee on shipping best practices and their recommendations to reform and improve maritime safety. Testifying at the briefing will be the Maersk Alabama’s second in command, Captain Shane Murphy. Joining Captain Murphy will be his father and counter-piracy expert Joseph Murphy II along with Admiral Richard Gurnon, Paul F. Kelly and Captain Thomas L. Bushy from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Also joining the panel will be Douglas B. Stevenson, Director of the Center for Seafarers’ Rights.
DATE: Thursday May 28, 2009
TIME: 10:00 am
LOCATION: The Charleston Room, Baystate Conference Center, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
SUBJECT: Combating Piracy: Real World Solutions and Best Practices
WITNESSES: Captain Shane Murphy, Second in Command on the Maersk Alabama
Professor Joseph Murphy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Admiral Richard Gurnon, President, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Paul F. Kelly, Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Captain Thomas L. Bushy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Douglas B. Stevenson, Director, Center for Seafarers’ Rights at the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey
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