Tales from the command post. Conversations with emergency response leaders, subject matter experts, and practitioners shaping how we prepare for and respond to maritime incidents.
In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we take a hard, honest look at how drills and exercises are designed—and why doing them the same way we have for the last 20 years may no longer be serving responders, organizations, or the public. Joined by an experienced panel—Liesl Peterson, Agneta Dahl, Ma...
Listen →In this episode, we step back from the headlines to look at what ship fires keep teaching us—again and again. We talk through the realities of marine firefighting response, how communities can track air quality during smoke events, and why “general average” can suddenly matter a lot when cargo is lo...
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dan Smiley gathers a roundtable of experts to tackle the invisible but growing threat to the maritime industry: Cyber Security. We are joined by first-time guest Charles Grau from Fairwater, who brings his background in aerospace and the to the table. Together...
Listen →Vessels of Opportunity were never meant to be dedicated assets. They’re a planning concept—local vessels identified for possible use, evaluated and activated only if and when they’re actually needed. In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we’re joined by Vince Mitchell, Incident Commander for the W...
Listen →In this short preview episode of The Tactics Meeting, host Dan Smiley sits down with Tom Wiker, President of Gallagher Marine Systems, to talk about his upcoming presentation at the WSMC Member Preparedness Conference on October 23 in Tacoma, Washington. Gallagher Marine Systems serves as the backup...
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dan Smiley talks with Lovel Pratt of Friends of the San Juans about the group's participation in Washington State’s oil spill rulemaking process, their concerns around increased tanker traffic near the San Juan Islands, and the risks posed by non-floating oils...
Listen →In this special panel episode, we unpack the National Transportation Safety Board’s findings on the 2023 fire aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio at Port Newark—a devastating incident that claimed the lives of two Newark firefighters and exposed critical gaps in shipboard fire response readiness. Joini...
Listen →In this episode, I sit down with Bill Burket, a seasoned maritime emergency responder and expert witness at the U.S. Coast Guard hearing on the Grande Costa D’Avorio fire. Bill brings decades of experience in shipboard firefighting and port response coordination, including his firsthand involvement ...
Listen →In this episode, we sit down with Doug Schuster, Operations Manager at Emergency Management Services International, Inc. (EMSI), a premier all-hazards, full-service, multi-discipline incident management and emergency management services provider. With over 30 years of experience in incident and eve...
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we dive into Washington State’s 2025 Best Achievable Protection (BAP) initiative—a comprehensive effort to update oil spill contingency planning regulations under WAC 173-182 and WAC 173-186. Host Dan Smiley explains how the Department of Ecology kicked off th...
Listen →In this episode, we sit down with RADM Meredith Austin, USCG (Ret.), to explore her distinguished career in emergency management and her pivotal roles in some of the most challenging disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response. We discuss the vital contributions of the U.S. Coast G...
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we sit down with Ed Levine, former NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator, to discuss the crucial role NOAA plays in oil spill response. Ed shares his experiences advising the U.S. Coast Guard during major incidents and explains how NOAA’s scientific expertise he...
Listen →In this enlightening episode of "The Tactics Meeting," we sit down with Jeffery Schlegelmilch, the renowned expert in disaster preparedness and the author of "Rethinking Readiness: A Brief Guide to Twenty-First Century Megadisasters." Join us as we delve into the critical themes of his groundbreakin...
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we are joined by Ron Holcomb, the author of "Constant Chaos, the Battle to Protect the Environment." Ron shares his extensive experience and insights into the challenges and strategies of environmental protection. We dive into the dramatic and impactful events...
Listen →In this episode of "The Tactics Meeting," we sit down with Matt Baer, a retired United States Coast Guard captain and the current Deputy Director of Emergency Management for Gallagher Marine Systems. Matt shares his extensive experience and insights as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the Golden...
Listen →In this episode of THE TACTICS MEETING podcast, we sit down with Cris Ippolite, President and Founder of iSolutions, to discuss his extensive experience implementing AI solutions for a major fire department in Texas. Cris, an award-winning trainer and AI strategist, has been instrumental in driving ...
Listen →In this episode of THE TACTICS MEETING podcast, we sit down with Larry Ryan from NJ Resources to explore the latest advancements in developing and displaying the common operating picture. Join us as we delve into updated map layers and a dedicated wildlife branch interface, designed to enhance situa...
Listen →In this riveting episode of the "Tactics Meeting" podcast, we sit down with Captain Roger LaFerriere, who served as the Coast Guard Incident Commander during the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill. Captain LaFerriere shares his firsthand experiences managing one of the largest environmental disasters in...
Listen →In this episode, join us for an exclusive preview of the newly updated Joint Information Center (JIC) and Liaison Manual of the Northwest Regional Contingency Plan, along with insights into the upcoming Communications Workshop in Portland on April 3rd, 2024. Our guests, Suzanne Lagoni, Principal at ...
Listen →In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the critical role of the Liaison Officer within the Incident Command System, an essential framework for emergency response coordination. With the expertise of our guest, Jim Butler, a seasoned professional in the field, we explore the intricacies of ho...
Listen →In this special episode, brought to you by a collaboration between The Tactics Meeting Podcast and Crowley Maritime, , we dive into the intricate world of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), exploring its science, inherent dangers, and the critical measures in place for its safe handling and distribution. ...
Listen →In this enlightening fifth session of our podcast series, host Mark Curtis, a renowned expert in Emergency Management and Business Continuity, delves into the critical topic of engaging and nurturing the next generation of emergency responders. Mark explores the unique challenges facing the emergenc...
Listen →Focus on the challenges facing the industry in getting new blood into the pipeline and what different organizations are doing to engage the next generation of responders. Host: Mark Curtis, Director Emergency Management & Business Continuity Tom Wiker, President, Gallagher Marine Systems Patrick Gal...
Listen →In this riveting episode, we bring you a recording of a session from The Tactics Conference, where industry experts gather to discuss the latest advancements in oil spill response technologies. With the increasing challenges posed by environmental concerns, it's crucial to stay updated with the most...
Listen →Join our panel of experts as we delve into the intricate realm of marine firefighting, emphasizing the crucial role of a unified command. This episode sheds light on the unique challenges of combating fires on ships, highlighting the differences from structural firefighting. We'll discuss the signif...
Listen →Tune in for an enlightening episode that pays tribute to the remarkable contributions and leadership of women in the realm of emergency response. Hosted by Jenny Johnson, CEO of Maritime Inclusion Partners, we dive deep into the accomplishments, hurdles, and prospects for women who have risen to inf...
Listen →Welcome to 'Surviving Violent Encounters in the Workplace,' where we dive deep into the nuances of personal and collective safety in professional settings. This episode features guest Randy Ashmore from Training Concepts, bringing with him a legacy of training that spans over half a century. A retir...
Listen →In this episode, we navigate the complexities and intricacies of preparing for a disaster of immense magnitude - the potential cataclysm unleashed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Join us as we explore the preparations, strategies, and collaborations that go into emergency management at the county l...
Listen →Join us for an insightful episode as we take an exclusive look into the inner workings of Washington State's Oil Spill Prevention Program. In a captivating interview with Sara Thompson, Vessel and Oil Transfer Unit Supervisor of the Spills Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program at the Washin...
Listen →Welcome to 'Emergency Unplugged: The Imperative of Prioritizing Internet Access for Crisis Response,' where we delve into the urgent need for reliable connectivity during emergencies. In an era where the internet is the backbone of communication, its stability during crises is paramount. Tune in as ...
Listen →In this dynamic panel podcast episode, host Dan Smiley brings together a stellar lineup of industry professionals from the Washington Department of Ecology, Crowley Maritime, WSMC, and Amergent Techs. They delve into the ins and outs of using Microsoft Teams as a virtual command post for managing co...
Listen →In this episode, we sit down with LT Stephen Nolan, a Public Affairs Officer in the United States Coast Guard's District 13. As the face of the USCG, LT Nolan shares his insights into the critical role of public affairs officers in the Coast Guard and what it takes to effectively communicate with th...
Listen →In this episode, we explore the importance of having a solid plan in place for oil spill response in Washington State, particularly when a ship arrives in the region. We delve into the specifics of the Washington State Maritime Cooperative umbrella plan and how it can be utilized to ensure comprehen...
Listen →Join us on our latest episode as we dive into the world of navigation with iNavX - the ultimate program for mariners. We'll explore how this powerful tool helps you navigate the seas with confidence, but also the vital role it plays in oil spill response. Discover how iNavX's common situation map pr...
Listen →Are you ready to take a flight into the future of coastal surveillance? Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technology behind the United States Coast Guard's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. From the skies to the seas, we'll take you on a journey to discover how UAVs are revolutionizing the way t...
Listen →Can ships get hacked? Yep! In this episode, Eric Wilson from the USCG introduces the cyber security threat facing the maritime industry.
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics meeting, Cheryl Surface gives expert guidance on conducting the Command and General Staff meeting.
Listen →Calling all JIC members! This week Erika Lamberth joins us from The Response Group to discuss her experience as a communications and marketing advisor in the crisis communication world. Find out how she found her way to emergency management, what PIO qualifications can typically look like and what c...
Listen →What is new and upcoming in oil spill regulation in Washington State? Matt Bissell, Acting Preparedness Section Manager at the Department of Ecology, gives us the answer in this presentation at the WSMC annual seminar.
Listen →In this episode, Brian MacDonald, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, shares his experience as Wildlife Branch Director.
Listen →It was great to see John and Kate from Portage Bay Solutions at Clean Pacific with their new ICS-213RR Resource Request application. They have been helping me with custom ICS solutions since 2012. In this great episode of The Tactics Meeting, we discuss developing custom applications, creating maps ...
Listen →In this presentation given by Darcy Bird of the Washington State Department of Ecology at the NWACP Communications Workshop, we examine the 96-Hour checklist from the Northwest Area Contingency Plan. This checklist is designed to guide response leadership in identifying priorities and tasks within t...
Listen →What social media platforms are our target audience using? What channels will get the best engagement? Should the JIC use TikTok? In this presentation given at the Northwest Area Contingency Plan Communications Workshop by Sara Zeman, Communication Coordinator at the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, ...
Listen →If you have not decided if you will attend the CLEAN PACIFIC CONFERENCE this year, watch this preview with Carey Buchholtz and Cassie Davie. If you are already planning to attend, this interview will get you in the mood! I hope to see ALL of you there!
Listen →What is the role Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) in response to maritime emergencies? In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we examine the MTSRU with LCDR S.I. Looney, U.S. Coast Guard.
Listen →This week, on the podcast, we talk about area command and its implementation with Jim Elliot, COO at Teichman Group. Not normally focused on during regular ICS training, Jim defines what area command is, how it is staffed, and how it functions to manage multiple command posts during a crisis.
Listen →Many important questions come up when considering the initial Unified Command meeting. What key players should be involved in the Unified Command, what decisions need to be made, and how will the meeting be documented? This week Cheryl Surface is back to answer all these questions and more in the ...
Listen →In this special episode of the Tactics Meeting, we start a five-episode trip around the Incident Command System planning cycle with renowned Planning Section Chief Cheryl Surface. We begin with the ICS-201 Incident Briefing, transfer of command, initial Incident Action Plan, and some tips and tricks...
Listen →In this special episode of the Tactics Meeting, we start a five-episode trip around the Incident Command System planning cycle with renowned Planning Section Chief Cheryl Surface. We begin with the ICS-201 Incident Briefing, transfer of command, initial Incident Action Plan, and some tips and tricks...
Listen →What does community air monitioring and safety entail in emergency response? What’s the difference between a toxicologist and an industrial hygienist? And where do these positions fall within the incident command structure? Angie Perez, from the Center of Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH), ...
Listen →What does community air monitioring and safety entail in emergency response? What’s the difference between a toxicologist and an industrial hygienist? And where do these positions fall within the incident command structure? Angie Perez, from the Center of Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH), ...
Listen →This week's special guests Tammy Allen and Steward Waddles discuss Bainbridge Prepares, a nonprofit coalition of local departments and agencies coming together with the community to plan for disaster. Tune in to learn about how they, and their 600 volunteers, are creating preparedness plans for Bain...
Listen →This week's special guests Tammy Allen and Steward Waddles discuss Bainbridge Prepares, a nonprofit coalition of local departments and agencies coming together with the community to plan for disaster. Tune in to learn about how they, and their 600 volunteers, are creating preparedness plans for Bain...
Listen →The back end of radio communications has many moving parts, but one thing is certain; Preparing emergency radio communications is preparing for resiliency. This week we speak with the 101st Group Commander of the Military Auxiliary Radio Service (MARS), Pete Pritchard. Find out details about radio o...
Listen →The back end of radio communications has many moving parts, but one thing is certain; Preparing emergency radio communications is preparing for resiliency. This week we speak with the 101st Group Commander of the Military Auxiliary Radio Service (MARS), Pete Pritchard. Find out details about radio o...
Listen →In this week's episode, we are talking about applying objectives, strategies, and tactics in the incident command system. What are the differences between these terms, how do they all work together, and what are some specific execution techniques you can use. Find out right here on episode 33 of The...
Listen →In this week's episode, we are talking about applying objectives, strategies, and tactics in the incident command system. What are the differences between these terms, how do they all work together, and what are some specific execution techniques you can use. Find out right here on episode 33 of The...
Listen →We feature our first large group panel on this special episode of the Tactics Meeting. Here to talk about the importance of crisis communication, we chat with Suzanne Lagoni, Liz Fuller, Dylan Darling, Lauren Wirtis, Nhi Irwin, and Sara Zeman. Hear about their experiences as communication PIO’s, stu...
Listen →We feature our first large group panel on this special episode of the Tactics Meeting. Here to talk about the importance of crisis communication, we chat with Suzanne Lagoni, Liz Fuller, Dylan Darling, Lauren Wirtis, Nhi Irwin, and Sara Zeman. Hear about their experiences as communication PIO’s, stu...
Listen →When it comes to animal rescue response, a lot more is required than just a few bottles of dawn soap. Barbara Callahan and JD Bergeron from the International Bird Rescue, speak with us this week about their work with all kinds of animals in emergency events. Find out why the IBR should be one of the...
Listen →With their own unique sets of skills, and a desire to help out, volunteers can play a key role in emergency response. But what are volunteers allowed to do in emergency response, and how do you coordinate them? Nhi Irwin, the Statewide Resource Section Manager of the Washington State Department of E...
Listen →Incident Commander and Emmy award-winning actor Kim Estes shares his incident response success tips. What is it like to be in charge, how do you know when to step up, and how are investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board handled? All of these questions and more, answered in this wee...
Listen →Deciphering the ins and outs of job tickets, invoices, checklist items, and audits can be a daunting affair during incident command. In this episode, we hear from Finance Section Chief of Gallagher Marine System, Eva Pomaranski, on overcoming & managing these financial tasks during an emergency.
Listen →This week we hear from the General Manager of the Southeast Alaska Petroleum Response Organization (SeaPro), Dave Owings. Tune in as Dave explains oil spill response & challenges in Southeast Alaska, mutual aid with Canada, and his early days in oil spill response with Marine Spill Response Corporat...
Listen →Client Support, data security, usability, and accessibility are all key factors when it comes to virtual drill design. This week Agneta Dahl shares her knowledge of the virtual command post and how you can prepare for exercises while keeping best practices in mind. Learn about digital signatures, in...
Listen →Underestimated spill volume, poor visibility, and confusion were only some of the challenges Barry McFarland faced when he became Incident Commander in San Fransisco after the MV COSCO BUSAN collided with the Bay Bridge. When it comes to putting early response to the test, credibility is your number...
Listen →There's a lot to be learned when it comes to the Washington State Emergency Response Towing Vessel. Why do we need it? Who pays for it? And how do I get coverage for my vessel? In this episode, we answer all these questions. Captain Moore, Captain Veentjer, Dale Jenson, and Sonja Larson explain the...
Listen →This week we hear from, your host, Dan Smiley on the future of the virtual command post and how teaching, meeting, and learning online can be successful for everyone. All the same implementation, without the geographical boundaries.
Listen →Inventor of the drum skimmer, winner of the X Prize, and founder of Elastec, meet Donnie Wilson. This week we'll delve into Wilson's journey, hearing about his efforts to build the world's largest, most efficient, oil skimmer and further discuss his notion that careers do not run in a straight line.
Listen →In Episode 21 of The Tactics Meeting, I talk with Amy Duz from iWorkWise about an incident safety officer's OSHA requirements. We dive into the training and credentials required (if any) and then go down a rat hole talking about our own experiences.
Listen →In Episode 20 of The Tactics Meeting Podcast, I talk with Dr. Tom Coolbaugh about the chemistry of oil products and his journey from a bench chemist at Mobile Chemical Company to the oil spill response technology division at ExxonMobil.
Listen →What will Clean Pacific be like this year? Should you attend in person or virtually? What is different from the pre-pandemic years? Will the sections be streamed live? Cassie Davie and Carey Buchholtz from Clean Events talk to Dan Smiley about what we can expect from Clean Pacific this year.
Listen →In this 18th episode of The Tactics Meeting, Dr. Ed Owens guides us through setting up a shoreline cleanup program and the role of SCAT.
Listen →Should we exercise Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) during exercises? Can NRDA be separated from other response tasks? Join me and my guest Greg Challenger, President, and Marine Scientist at Polaris Applied Sciences, Inc., as we explore the NRDA process, its interconnectedness to all thin...
Listen →Messaging is critical to the success of a response. So how do We get it right? The news cycle used to be 12 hours, and we could plan on putting out information at a press conference. Now the news cycle is five minutes or less, so when do we activate the PIO? What information can they put out without...
Listen →Wildlife response during an oil spill is critical but often misunderstood. We see pictures of volunteers with soap and brushes cleaning oil from birds. But that cleaning is just a tiny part of the overall response to wildlife impacted by oil. How do you house an adult beaver that has evolved to che...
Listen →Todd Duke shares his experience with marine salvage from U.S. Navy damage control to shipboard firefighting. We discuss the history of salvage, salvage contracts, and the challenges of conducting salvage from within the Incident Command System.
Listen →In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Robert Starkes shares the mission of Eastern Canada Response Corporation with its vast geographic area of responsibility stretching from western Alberta to the Atlantic coast. When I think of ECRC, I think of oil spill response in the maritime environment, but...
Listen →In Episode 12, we go on a virtual tour of the Environmental Unit with Dr. Elliott Taylor from Polaris Applied Sciences. Elliott and I talk about EU staffing, net environmental benefit, alternative response strategies, trajectory forecasting, and much more. A must-hear episode of The Tactics Meeting!
Listen →In this episode of the Tactics Meeting, Randy Ashmore explains the certified emergency manager certification program offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Listen →How does trajectory modeling work? For 45 years, Dr. Jerry Galt has worked on the problem of forecasting how spilled oil will travel in the ocean. Starting with a PDP8 computer and then an Apple II, Dr. Galt developed focusing models that eventually became GNOME.
Listen →In This episode of The Tactics meeting, Al Allen explains how he went from a physics career to oil spill response to in-situ burning during Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon. Al is the author of Clues Can Light The Way.
Listen →Genwest's John Murphy, Brianna Yearwood, Al Hielscher, and Lexter Tapawan introduce online resource tracking with WRRLTracWeb.
Listen →In This episode of The Tactics meeting Scott Knutson (USCG Ret) and Sonja Larson (Washington Department of Ecology) to tell the story of the birth of the Western Response Resource List. The story takes us from the Nestucca oil spill, Exxon Valdez, OPA-90, Deepwater Horizon, and finally to the Intern...
Listen →Tony Parkin joins Island Oil Spill Association as Executive Director, steering rebirth of 30-year-old volunteer organization.
Listen →Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) is the certified Marine Spill Response Organization in British Columbia, Canada. In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, Michael Lowry and I discuss WCMRC's equipment expansion, Incident Management Team responsibilities, responder immunity, coastal ...
Listen →Send a clear message to your community during a response with guest Suzanne Lagoni.
Listen →Loss of power, dwindling supplies, and lack of staff, Guest Liesl Peterson shares her experience as a hospital emergency manager.
Listen →Using drones to gather tactical data, direct responders, and update the Common Operating Picture has become all the rage. In this episode of The Tactics Meeting, we are joined by drone pilot Dave Sawicki and GIS expert Larry Ryan to look at some of the legal and practical issues involved in leveragi...
Listen →The Tactics Meeting podcast is designed for emergency responders and other IMT members. In this episode, Larry Ryan shares how he got into GIS and manages and shares a Common operating picture.
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