t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 1 P a ge 17
Marine Safety , continued
The Marine Highway System began with passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act , 2007 , Section 1121 . In 2012 , the Act was expanded with the goal of increasing use and efficiency of domestic freight and passenger transportation on Marine Highway routes between U . S . ports . In 2016 , the National Defense Authorization Act provided for inclusion of freight vehicles carried aboard ferry boats and cargo shipped in small units as well as packages handled individually , by pallet or unitized for transport under the definition of “ short sea shipping .”
Twenty-five ( 25 ) Marine Highway routes serve as extensions of the surface transportation system offering relief to landside corridors from traffic congestion .
Much can be gained by promoting the use of the Marine Highway System and when you consider the extent of the Auxiliary ’ s “ AOR ,” our stake in the Marine Highway System is great , necessitating that the Coast Guard Auxiliary contribute to it being safe , secure and clean .
Gregg Bollinger , Th . D . DSO-MS , D 5 NR