Review of Business

Reader's Forum

International Shipping: A Focus On the Republic of China: An Interview with Steven R. Blust, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission

Steven R. Blust, a member of the Federal Maritime Commission, is interviewed. Blust believes it is important that the business community understands the key elements of the Agreement on Maritime Transport between the US and China and its impact on business. Blust has provides his insights into this far-reaching agreement, and discusses the requirements of the FMC to act, in order to make the agreement effective. He believes this Agreement may go a long way to leveling the playing field for US...

Working the Docks: Labor, Management and the New Waterfront

This article surveys the evolution of labor relations on the docks that led up to the recent six-year contract on the West coast. It will explain why, despite the current era of austerity and financial worries, the newly ratified contract nevertheless includes more than a 7% wage increase, a 58% pension increase, a continued policy of employers paying for full health care, and guarantees that new technology will not replace any workers and that any new jobs will be union jobs.

The Evolving Landscape of Maritime Cybersecurity

This paper examines the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code to determine the extent to which they address cybersecurity issues. The focus of this scrutiny is on the marine transportation industry with a view to identifying potential vulnerabilities in the context of cyberterrorism and specific measures adopted by the federal government to counter terrorist threats.

America's Orphan: The U.S. Flag Merchant Marine

Addressing this special issue's theme of Maritime Business, the issue editor has selected this widely read 1996 article to present a topic of great importance. As a maritime nation, the United States has effectively used its ships and seafarers to maintain its global supremacy. This article addresses the "fourth arm of defense," the U.S. flag fleet, which faces a significant decline in its share of international shipping. This decline has disturbing long-term implications for America's nation...

From the Editor

The Impact of Containerization: From Adam Smith to the 21st Century

In the past 50 years, trailer-truck-sized cargo containers have transformed surface freight transportation worldwide. Containers have greatly reduced the cost and time required to pack and move cargoes, have made intermodalism possible, and have supported the growth of new patterns of global production and distribution. This article outlines how the impact of this recent innovation fits into the long history of commerce and transportation from the 18th century to the present.

Maritime and Intermodal Transportation Security: The Training Factor

Few dimensions of the response to the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 are of greater potential impact than the appropriate security training of transportation professionals. This activity is of particular importance in the maritime and intermodal sectors, in which the vast majority of international trade is moved. This fact is underscored by the rapid development of international conventions, codes of practice, domestic legislation and voluntary initiatives focused on maritime and interm...

Painted Ship Upon a Painted Ocean: Facilitation and Practical Competency Assessment of Shiphandling Skills

This paper will provide an overview of the three types of simulators employed during the Shiphandling/Seamanship course offered at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, discuss the virtues and limitations of each in the facilitation process, and provide techniques for competency assessment. Examples of the course's practical training exercises and critique of each methodology will be presented. The paper will offer observations comparing the employment of simulation and the use of traini...