In this short preview episode of The Tactics Meeting, host Dan Smiley sits down with Tom Wiker, President of Gallagher Marine Systems, to talk about his upcoming presentation at the WSMC Member Preparedness Conference on October 23 in Tacoma, Washington.

Gallagher Marine Systems serves as the backup Spill Management Team for WSMC, providing vital planning and response support when it matters most. In this conversation, Tom offers a behind-the-scenes look at what Gallagher brings to the table and what attendees can expect to learn at the conference.

Whether you’re a current WSMC member or just exploring options, this episode is your invitation to join the region’s top maritime responders for a day of collaboration, insight, and preparedness.

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.

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:

Mark Curtis, Fairwater

Captain Noah Katka, Seattle Fire Department

Lieutenant Aaron Patterson, Seattle Fire Department

Jim Elliott, T&T Group of Companies

Todd Duke, Resolve Marine

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.

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:

His powerful testimony and insights from the Grande Costa D’Avorio investigation

What went wrong—and what must change—in shipboard firefighting strategy and command

Lessons learned from the Spirit of Norfolk incident

The critical role of training and interagency coordination

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.

​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.​

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:

Non-Floating Oil Response

Whale and Wildlife Deterrence

Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Techniques (SCAT)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.