Episodes

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
From Rulemaking to Response: Friends of the San Juans on Protecting the Salish Sea
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
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 such as diluted bitumen. As a member of the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee and Ecology’s Best Achievable Protection workgroups, Lovel brings an environmental perspective to the table. We discuss where those concerns align—or don’t—with the maritime industry’s view of risk, safety, and prevention in a region with one of the most robust marine safety regimes in the world.

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Lessons from the Grande Costa D’Avorio Fire: A Panel Review of the NTSB Report
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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.
Joining the discussion are experts from across the maritime and emergency response communities:
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Mark Curtis, Fairwater
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Captain Noah Katka, Seattle Fire Department
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Lieutenant Aaron Patterson, Seattle Fire Department
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Jim Elliott, T&T Group of Companies
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Todd Duke, Resolve Marine
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Bill Burket, Virginia Port Authority
Together, they examine what went wrong, why coordination between ship and shore-based resources is still a national weak point, and what must change to prevent future tragedies. Topics include training, communications, fire suppression system limitations, and institutional readiness across ports nationwide.
This is a must-listen for anyone involved in port security, emergency management, or marine operations.

Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
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 in the Spirit of Norfolk engine room fire.
We dive into:
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His powerful testimony and insights from the Grande Costa D’Avorio investigation
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What went wrong—and what must change—in shipboard firefighting strategy and command
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Lessons learned from the Spirit of Norfolk incident
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The critical role of training and interagency coordination
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A preview of the upcoming National Port Partner Emergency Response Summit, where stakeholders will come together to chart the future of maritime emergency preparedness.
This is a must-listen for anyone involved in port security, marine firefighting, salvage, or Unified Command coordination. Tune in to hear how experience, collaboration, and leadership can make the difference between disaster and success.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
All-Hazards, All In: Doug Schuster and the EMSI Approach to Incident Management
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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 event management, Doug shares insights into his emergency response philosophy and discusses EMSI's diverse work, including collaborations with the railroad industry.We delve into unique applications of the Incident Command System (ICS), such as managing a bedbug infestation at a jail and addressing a cesium release in a Seattle hospital. Join us for an enlightening conversation on innovative approaches to emergency management.

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
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 the process with a well-attended online meeting and public survey, inviting input on ways to strengthen spill response planning. The episode explores the four key topic areas identified for technical workgroups:
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Non-Floating Oil Response
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Whale and Wildlife Deterrence
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Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Techniques (SCAT)
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Aerial Surveillance of Oil Spills
You’ll learn what Best Achievable Protection means under Washington law, how it drives rulemaking, and why this cycle presents an opportunity for meaningful change in response readiness.
🎧 Subscribe to stay current on policy, planning, and preparedness in the maritime world.

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
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 Guard Strike Teams and the lessons learned from coordinating large-scale, multi-agency operations. Tune in for a deep dive into crisis leadership and the evolution of disaster response.

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Protecting Our Waters: Ed Levine Talks NOAA’s Vital Role in Oil Spill Response
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
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 helps guide real-time decision-making during oil spills. We also dive into the latest findings from the Oil in the Sea IV report, exploring the sources, impacts, and future trends of oil pollution in marine environments. Whether you're in the industry or simply interested in marine conservation, this episode provides an expert’s view on the intersection of science, response strategies, and environmental protection.

Monday Jul 08, 2024
Rethinking Readiness with Jeffery Schlegelmilch
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
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 groundbreaking book, exploring how our traditional approaches to disaster preparedness are being challenged by the complexities of modern megadisasters.
Jeffery sheds light on the multifaceted nature of contemporary threats, from climate change and pandemics to technological failures and social disruptions. We discuss the importance of innovative strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and the integration of new technologies in building resilient communities. Jeffery also emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset—moving from reactive responses to proactive preparedness.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on how we can rethink our readiness for the unprecedented challenges of the twenty-first century and ensure a safer, more resilient future for all. Whether you're a professional in emergency management or simply interested in the future of disaster preparedness, this episode is a must-listen.

Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Constant Chaos: Environmental Protection Strategies with Ron Holcomb
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
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 of the Olympic Pipeline Fire in Bellingham and the Delco Passage Oil Spill, exploring their causes, responses, and the lessons learned. Tune in to hear about the complexities of managing environmental disasters and the ongoing battle to protect our planet.

Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
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 Ray vessel salvage and removal operation. Tune in to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges faced during one of the most complex salvage operations in recent history, the strategies employed to overcome these obstacles, and the lessons learned that continue to shape emergency response protocols today. Whether you're an emergency management professional or simply interested in maritime operations, this episode offers a captivating look into the world of large-scale salvage efforts.