Blogs
Marine Exchange of Alaska & U.S. Coast Guard Academy Internship Program
This summer, the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK) hosted two U.S Coast Guard Academy first-class cadets for a 6-week internship. During their internship, 1/c Jane Alandydy and 1/c Taylor Winters visited the Alaska Chadux̂ Network to learn about oil spill response and the challenges in responding to incidents in the U.S. Arctic marine environment. Through the USCG Center for…
Read MoreU.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center – Useful Tool for Mariners
The United States Coast Guard Navigation Center has expanded availability of sharing near-real-time Maritime Safety Information (MSI) to all U.S. waterways. Through the free online subscription service, mariners can receive BNMs & UMIBs to their cell phones and computer via email in a chosen geographical area. This service is in addition to the standard VHF…
Read MoreACN Provides Vessel of Opportunity Training in Nome
Fishing vessels ERICA RENEE and MITHRIL towing boom outside of Nome, practicing on-water collection. In mid-July, the Alaska Chadux̂ Network (ACN) team traveled to Nome to provide Vessel of Opportunity training for its local response and logistics partners and conduct an on-water equipment deployment exercise. With the use of three Vessels of Opportunity in our…
Read MoreACN Conducts Geographic Response Strategy Exercise
Alaska Chadux̂ Network (ACN) conducted a Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) validation exercise north of Kodiak, near Spruce Island, on May 11, 2022. With permitting completed through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the ACN team planned and accounted for tides, currents, winds, wildlife considerations, vessel traffic, and subsistence harvesting, all to ensure the safest, most effective exercise. With the…
Read MoreCoast Guard Inspection Validates ACN Readiness
Earlier this summer season, the Alaska Chadux̂ Network (ACN) operations team traveled around Southcentral and Western Alaska, with inspection teams from the U.S. Coast Guard National Strike Force Coordination Center conducting the annual PAV (Preparedness Assessment Verification) Inspections. The inspections are designed to verify an oil spill removal organization’s (OSRO) response equipment and readiness to respond. During the two-week inspection…
Read MoreBuilding on Don Young’s Legacy of Protecting Alaska Oceans
By ACN President & CEO Buddy Custard May 22 marks National Maritime Day. Congress established it in 1933 in commemoration of the steam ship Savannah and her maiden voyage, which was the first trans-Atlantic journey ever made by a steam-powered vessel. In the 203 years since the Savannah departed her eponymous port in Georgia…
Read MoreU.S. Maritime Day – A Brief History
Each year on May 22, the United States celebrates U.S. Maritime Day. It was officially recognized by Congress in 1933 to commemorate the American steamship Savannah, and the start of her voyage from Savannah, Georgia, to Liverpool, England. That transatlantic voyage was the first-ever by a steamship, and a similar crossing wouldn’t be attempted…
Read MoreACN Provides Tug Grounding Support in Southeast Alaska
In late March, Alaska Chadux̂ Network (ACN) provided assistance to SEAPRO (Southeast Alaska Petroleum Response Organization) with the grounding of the tug Western Mariner in Neva Straits near Sitka, Alaska. The tug had approximately 45,000 gallons of diesel fuel onboard when it ran aground and an unknown amount was discharged. ACN assisted with boom deployment,…
Read MoreACN Releases Updated Nontank Vessel APC Operating Procedures
Alaska Chadux̂ Network (ACN) has released updated Nontank Vessel Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) Operating Procedures. These Operating Procedures include updated deviation protocols, entry requirements, and updated email addresses. As per APC requirements, each participating vessel shall have a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard APC approval letter and relevant APC Operating Procedures onboard prior to transiting…
Read MoreACN Provides HAZWOPER & First Aid Training in Dutch Harbor
HAZWOPER & First Aid Training – Dutch Harbor In January 2022, our team provided HAZWOPER and first aid training to individuals from the city of Dutch Harbor, local marine industry companies, and crews enrolled in our Vessel of Opportunity program. The training provided enables the participants to safely act as a responder during…
Read More