The National Maritime Safety Association (NMSA) concluded its annual meeting this week in Tampa, Florida, an informative two-day conference that set a new attendance record for the second year in a row. The association, which promotes health and safety in the marine cargo handling industry, hosted more than 245 professionals from marine terminal operating companies throughout the Western Hemisphere as well as longshore union members.
“I could not be prouder to say we have once again broken attendance records at the NMSA Annual Meeting. Our conference provides a unique opportunity for waterfront employers and union representatives to share best practices and innovations to promote a safe workplace for maritime workers. We look forward to many years of continued safety and success,” said NMSA President David Morgan, who serves as President and CEO of Cooper/Ports America LLC.
The business program covered issues ranging from de-escalation strategies to prevent workplace violence to safety impacts of electric vehicles to best practices to prevent common injuries and safe handling and storage of hazardous materials. Attendees heard an update from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and a discussion on strategies to address substance abuse and mental health issues in the workplace. The event also featured a panel of local experts on maritime safety initiatives and partnerships at Port Tampa Bay.
During the meeting, Morgan and other leaders in NMSA presented Robert Dieda, PNW Safety Director, SSA Marine, with its 2024 Person of the Year Award in recognition of his longstanding service to NMSA and the leadership roles that he has performed through the years. The organization noted that over his career, Dieda has earned the respect of both employers and the union for his no-nonsense approach to safety in operations and he has been an influential mentor and leader at SSA Marine.
Additionally, a special award for being a Champion of Maritime Safety Initiatives was presented to Dave Turner, Vice President, Safety, Security & Environment for Yusen Terminals. NMSA acknowledged Mr. Turner’s valuable and effective representation on OSHA’s Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety (MACOSH) and his impressive safety leadership track record.
The event also convened NMSA’s Board of Directors and its standing Technical Committee, a focused group composed of safety professionals tasked with monitoring, analyzing, and disseminating any information that affects occupational safety and health in maritime transportation.
NMSA will continue to discuss and address these issues and more, with planning underway for its 2025 annual meeting which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from June 24-26, 2025.
