SOCP Spring Maritime Autonomous Ship Symposium

The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) will host the Spring 2023 Maritime Autonomous Ship Symposium (MASS). This event will take place on April 25 and 26, 2023, at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum Heights, MD. U.S. Coast Guard, among other industry and government representatives, will attend to answer questions and offer presentations.

Through robust discussion, the symposium aims to outline current governance expectations for autonomous technology in the maritime industry and to understand what the industry needs from the regulators and supporting federal agencies to prepare the existing and upcoming workforce for this technology.

Through keynote speakers, subject matter expert panels, and productive breakout groups, the event’s outcome is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of autonomous maritime technology, operations, and safety from a human and technical perspective. This holistic approach will help to provide best management practices and oversight of autonomous technology for the maritime industry. Breakout groups will lead with critical questions for discussion to foster equitable solutions for technology development and regulatory requirements and bring all invested parties into a united conversation.

For more information, please visit the SOCP MASS website HERE.

SOCP to Develop Resources In Support of MARAD’s SASH Prevention and Response Efforts

05 December 2022 - The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) has entered into a new cooperative agreement with the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) to develop and update resources that promote zero tolerance of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) in the U.S. Merchant Marine industry.

This cooperative agreement aims to collaboratively develop best industry practices for promoting a safe and inclusive culture in the maritime industry. SOCP non-members are welcome to join the working group and help address issues affecting SASH prevention and response in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Items needing diverse industry input include, but are not limited to developing and updating training resources to align with MARAD's Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Standards and any subsequent legislative provisions in this area, providing support to survivors, and strengthening a culture of respect.

The SOCP is a non-profit organization comprised of maritime industry companies and professionals to improve the safety, productivity, efficiency, security, and environmental performance of U.S. vessel operations. SOCP members include U.S. ship owners and operators, maritime unions, academies, training institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to provide their maritime industry expertise and guidance in promoting and creating beneficial solutions to industry challenges.

SOCP 2022 Awards

Every year SOCP recognizes members that extraordinarily support and display outstanding achievement and engagement within the maritime industry and our organization.

This year's awards are proudly presented to:

The 2022 SOCP Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Vince Corry, "Since the inception of SOCP, you have been a champion of the organization. I cannot think of anyone who has been as dedicated to the goal of collaboration throughout the maritime industry as you. Your leadership and act of service as SOCP’s banker are commendable."

The 2022 Charles Pillsbury Appreciation Award is presented to Todd Ripley, MARAD, for his extraordinary support of the Cooperative and its objectives.

The 2022 John Dumbleton Service Award is presented to Captain Chris Nette, Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., for his outstanding achievement and engagement in SOCP project leadership.