10 DECEMBER 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: SECURITY/VESSEL REVIEW • Heightened Security Awareness • Communication • Hardening Critical Spaces When developing an active shooter training program, companies should carefully consider the use of weapons. Most active shooter incidents end when the shooter is confronted by armed law enforcement. In the absence of armed law enforcement, the crew must be prepared to act. When considering the carriage of weapons, there are many considerations including law enforcement response time, local and state laws, liability for acting or not acting, training standards, etc. Some companies, including Cross Sound Ferry, are ad- vocating for a Federal Maritime Officer Program similar to the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, which is a voluntary program that allows airline pilots and flight engineers to carry firearms in the cockpit of airplanes for the purpose of defending the flight deck against criminal activity. A similar program for maritime officers would provide standardized training, use of force guidelines, background checks, liability protection, and resolve ju- risdictional issues for maritime officers that wish to carry firearms while aboard. Under the proposed program, the maritime officer would be deputized and issued a TSA- approved firearm and credentials. Non-lethal weapons may also be considered. These may include pepper spray, pepper gel guns, tasers, and restraint devices such as handcuffs or zip ties. If deployed, the crew must be properly trained and certified in the use of these devices. Another aspect of active shooter training is coping with the aftermath, once the shooter is neutralized. There may be many injured passengers. “Stop the bleed” training will familiarize the crew in the use of tourniquets and other techniques to control bleeding. This training can be used to respond to any large trauma event and may save lives. Stop the bleed training is frequently offered by hospitals and first responder agencies. Engaging your local first responders is very important. These agencies will be first on the scene in a large scale incident and they should be familiar with your operation. Offering your vessels for exercises, joint training, and/or familiarization tours will benefit all parties. Cross Sound Ferry has participated in many of these exercises. Some agencies may offer free active shooter training. As passenger vessel operators, an active shooter incident is another hazard that we must be prepared to respond to. Just as we drill to respond to fire, abandon ship, and man overboard, we must also drill to respond to security incidents. In any emergency, the crew will be faced with difficult decisions, but proper training, good communication, and regular drills will help us respond in a professional and organized manner. n Key Concepts for Preventing Active Shooter Incidents About the Author    Chris Anglin is the Facilities Operations Manager and Company Security Officer for Cross Sound Ferry and Block Island Express.  CSF and BIE operate a fleet of eight vehicle ferries and three high-speed passenger ferries on routes between New London CT, Orient Point NY, and Block Island RI.  They carry over 500,000 vehicles and 1.5 million passengers per year.  Chris has been with the company for 17 years and has served as the Company Security Officer since 2003.