Economics teachers who participated in professional development courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Education tour the Island Princess' bridge while the ship was docked in Whittier August 4.
January 1, 1970
John Binkley, President, Alaska Cruise Association, said the industry is pleased that access issues with the Ocean Ranger program have been resolved, and pledged to continue to work cooperatively with the state.
"This industry is committed to making the Ocean Ranger program successful and our job isn't complete until all Ocean Rangers have complete access," Binkley said.
Binkley made the remarks in response to a new report from Crowley Marine Service, the contractor that administers the program for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. An earlier report raised access issues aboard some ships and claims that some rangers could not complete their checklists.
"The results of this survey indicate that at this time the ocean rangers are currently being given sufficient access to all areas of the vessel needed to complete their daily checklists," stated the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Ocean Ranger program was part of a wide-ranging citizen initiative that passed in 2006. Alaska is the only state to require U.S. Coast Guard-licensed marine engineers on board vessels to act as independent observers monitoring state environmental and health and safety practices. The program is funded by a $4 passenger fee.
To view the full report on-line please visit: http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/cruise_ships/docs/Access_Survey_Report.pdf