It has organized and facilitated international maritime safety workshops, provided training to port and maritime managers, and completed key research projects for federal and state agencies. Areas of expertise developed in these projects include risk and vulnerability analysis, waterway and vessel traffic management systems, contingency planning, pollution prevention, and oil pollution response management. The identification, consideration, and mitigation of threats to maritime safety and the marine environment help to ensure that the economic development of ports and the facilitation of maritime commerce can be accomplished without degrading the environment or endangering life and property. Management Training The efficient use of port and other maritime facilities is critically dependent on the development of sound management practices and operational procedures. Because of the need for improved utilization of available maritime infrastructures and rapid introduction of new techniques, the Institute has as one of its primary objectives provision of training to and port and waterways personnel in the areas of maritime management, planning and engineering, operations, and finance.
Training is directed mainly at middle and upper level personnel.
The training activities are conducted by the Institute in close association with the Port of New Orleans, several other leading ports in the U.S. and overseas, and international maritime organizations.