History of C-PORT
The Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing is the only national organization representing the marine assistance industry in the US. Founded in 1985, C-PORT was created to act as a liaison between the marine assistance community and public agencies and organizations involved with boating safety, marine assistance, marine salvage and other marine-related operations.
Some actions in which C-PORT has been involved:
2000 - C-PORT introduces the ACAPT certification program for assistance towing vessels. The USCG, in its partnership with C-PORT, fully supports ACAPT as an industry-regulated program that recognizes those companies which have maintained a high standard of professionalism and safety.
C-PORT is actively represented on TSAC (Towing Safety Advisory Council) which advises the Coast Guard and Congress on marine industry regulations.
March 2005 - C-PORT submitted comments to Congress regarding the proposed inspection of ALL towing vessels.
2006 - C-PORT introduces a Safety Management System (SMS) training course for assistance towing captains. Development of the program is ongoing and the class is now taught online.
2007 - C-PORT introduces comprehensive Company and Crew Guidelines, written as templates to be used by member companies.
June 2007 - C-PORT attends the Dept. Of Homeland Security Small Vessel Summit to discuss concerns and issues posed by small vessels being used by terrorist in the maritime domain of the United States.
