Maritime Operations

Through the Maritime Operations program, the Council reviews port operations, incidents, and the adequacy and maintenance of the vessel traffic system.

Major activities in this program include: monitoring changes to the escort system, monitoring and studying the ice from Columbia Glacier, reviewing best available technology for the escort system and the Vessel Emergency Response Plan, participating with the Valdez Marine Safety Committee, and supporting the maintenance of NOAA’s weather stations.

Front cover of the report. Image is of a rocky beach in Prince William Sound covered with mussels and other tidal critters. Mountains and ocean in the background. Clicking on the image will download a PDF of the report.

Annual Report now available

The Council's annual report, Year in Review 2022/2023, is now available. This report covers the many programs and projects we’ve ...
Photo of oil from 1989 Exxon Valdez spill on Eleanor Island. Photo taken July 25, 2018. Photo by Dave Janka.

Lessons from Exxon Valdez oil spill

On March 24, 1989, the tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound. What lessons have ...

Science Night 2022: Videos now available!

Science Night returned this year, better than ever! This annual event, hosted by the Prince William Regional Citizens Advisory Council, ...
Map showing the tanker traffic lane. The tankers must pass through a relatively narrow area between Hinchinbrook and Montague Islands when entering or leaving Prince William Sound to or from the Gulf of Alaska. A rescue tug with the right features has the best chance of preventing a spill.

Study shows purpose-driven design can improve performance

When a ship is disabled at sea, an appropriate rescue vessel must respond quickly to prevent an accident. Towing can ...
Repairs to Prince William Sound’s radar in the works

Repairs to Prince William Sound’s radar in the works

Coast Guard planning long-term project to replace entire system Radar that helps the U.S. Coast Guard monitor vessels in Port ...
Escort tug Courageous damages the tanker Polar Endeavour in January incident

Escort tug Courageous damages the tanker Polar Endeavour in January incident

Just before midnight on January 11, the escort tug Courageous allided with the tanker Polar Endeavour, which had just finished ...

 

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