24 SEPTEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN By Peter Lauridsen, PV A Regulatory Affairs Consultant REGULATORYREPORT 1.800.777.0714 toll free www.merequipment.com 8-500kW Marine Generators // Pull harder in the harshest marine environments // More copper & premium corrosion resistance // Superior motor starting & low operating temps // Better fuel economy & longer engine life // Easy to service & worldwide dealer support // Proudly made in America Let MCM manage your insurance so you can focus on your voyage MCM is a leading independent insurance brokerage based in the Pacific Northwest. Our marine practice group has more than 100 years of combined experience placing insurance and managing the marine industry’s unique risks. Whether we’re working with vessel operators, builders, repair facilities or suppliers, we create specialized solutions that meet each client’s needs. EMpLoyEE BEnEfits | ExECutivE BEnEfits | REtiREMEnt pLans insuRanCE advisoRy | pRopERty & CasuaLty Contact Damon L. Nasman at (206) 262-6375 or email damon.nasman@mcmnw.com www.mcmnw.com R ecently, I was approached to do an interview for a group preparing a series of televi- sion programs involving maritime disasters. I was approached because I was Chairman of the Marine Board of Investigation convened to investigate the loss of the SS Marine Electric, one of the disasters covered. As I prepared for and recalled during several hours of preliminary discussion, the SS Marine Electric is a pivot point in a series of three U.S. maritime disasters. The other two disasters that I see particularly in regard to demonstrating technological advances are the SS Poet and the more recent SS El Faro. The SS Poet was a World War II vessel built in 1944 and converted to her then-current utility in 1965. The SS Poet left the port of Philadelphia the evening of October 24, 1980 with a cargo of corn bound for Port Said, Egypt. The last communication from the vessel was a personal phone call from the third mate to his wife about midnight on the date of sailing. The vessel was not reported as missing until November 4 (nine days after her probable loss). No trace of the vessel, her crew of 34 mariners, or debris was ever found. The Marine Board relied on official vessel documentation and the testimony of owner, former crew- members and personnel from public and private sectors that had contact with or were involved in the manage- ment of the vessel. The Marine Board and resultant Commandant’s Action concluded that the vessel was probably lost in heavy weather shortly after Investigations and Evolution of Technology