ALCOAST 508/23 - DEC 2023 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2024 NATIONAL HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE (HSC) CONFERENCE/MARINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (MTS) WORKSHOP AND SOLICITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED HSC AWARD

R 211320Z DEC 23   MID600117025805U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 508/23
SSIC 5305
SUBJ: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2024 NATIONAL HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE
(HSC) CONFERENCE/MARINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (MTS) WORKSHOP AND
SOLICITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED HSC AWARD
1. The 19th biennial National HSC Conference (NHSCC) will be held
20-21 March 2024 in Chicago, IL. The Chicago HSC is hosting the
conference, which will be held at Navy Pier. Additionally, on
19 March 2024, the MTS Directorate (CG-5PW) will host a workshop
for USCG members with informational sessions provided by U.S
Coast Guard (USCG) Headquarters offices on topics of importance
to field level Waterways Management staff and Captains of the
Port (COTP). It is understood some attendees will be required to
arrive on 18 March in order to arrive in Chicago in time for the
workshop; however, where travel logistics allow, USCG members
should arrive the morning of 19 March in time to participate in
the workshop (beginning at 1300).
2. Event details.
    a. The NHSCC will begin at 0830 on 20 March and will be open
to all registrants. The conference will feature keynote addresses
from high-ranking government officials, presentation of the
Distinguished HSC Award, and a collection of panels designed to
enable information sharing on the ways HSCs contribute to the safe,
efficient, and environmentally sound operations of our nation’s
ports and waterways. The conference will conclude on 21 March.
    b. The MTS workshop will begin at 1300 on 19 March and will be
for USCG attendees only. The workshop will address topics internal
to the USCG. Additional details will be provided to participants
SEPCOR.
3. Conference Approval and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Reporting.
    a. USCG's Office of Waterways and Ocean Policy (CG-WWM) has
obtained DHS approval for a limited number of USCG representatives
to attend the NHSCC and preceding MTS workshop. For that reason,
USCG personnel must first confirm the spaces available to their
unit with CG-WWM before registering for the conference.
    b. Following the conference, CG-WWM will be responsible for
completing a DHS mandated report on USCG conference participation.
All conference attendees will be required to support CG-WWM in the
timely development of this report, through provision of their
completed travel voucher and any other requested information.
4. Funding. All travel costs, to include the conference registration
fee, for USCG participants attending the MTS workshop and NHSCC will
be the responsibility of the attendee’s unit.
5. Conference Registration. Conference registration must be
completed via the Chicago HSC’s conference site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.chicagoharborsafety.org/nhsc2024

    a. Lodging. All conference attendees must secure lodging at the
approved local per diem rate ($146). The conference host is working
with the on-site hotel, the Sable Hotel, to secure a block of rooms
available to conference attendees at the per diem rate. Details on
how to secure a room at this rate will be transmitted SEPCOR. The
conference website will also include details for additional
recommended nearby hotels.
    b. Rental Cars. Per the DHS approval for this conference, rental
cars are not authorized.
    c. The conference fee includes one non-severable luncheon
(20 March), which must be accounted for in each member’s travel
claim (i.e., attendees must reduce their daily MI&E reimbursement
rate in accordance with FTR 301-11.12). Approving officials shall
ensure this lunch is appropriately reflected in travel claims
regardless of participation in the meal.
6. Uniform. The prescribed uniform for military attendees is
tropical blue long for general conference attendees, and service
dress blue for speakers and panelists. Civilian dress is business
casual. Uniform guidance for the USCG-only MTS workshop will be
forwarded SEPCOR.
7. Distinguished HSC Award. The Distinguished HSC Award (formerly
the HSC of the Year Award) will be presented at the conference on
20 March. Award details, to include application requirements and
selection criteria, have been released SEPCOR to the primary points
of contact for each HSC nationwide; local unit Waterways Management
staff also received a copy for awareness. COTPs and their supporting
Waterways Management staffs should ensure this opportunity for
recognition is considered by their local HSC and, if appropriate,
support their application with a letter of endorsement.
8. Additional information: The conference program and speaker
information will be made available thru the conference website.
Questions regarding the NHSCC or MTS workshop may be directed to
Mrs. Noel Jones, Noel.T.Jones@uscg.mil, (703)417-5520.
9. Mr. Mike Emerson, Director of Marine Transportation Systems
Management (CG-5PW), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.