The U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command has launched a dedicated online resource, the Afloat Environmental Compliance website, designed to empower maritime professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary for environmental stewardship. This initiative, unveiled on October 24, is a significant step towards integrating environmental responsibility into the daily operations of sailors and enhancing their effectiveness in safeguarding the marine environment.
Accessible via the internet with a Common Access Card (CAC) login at https://eims3.sscno.nmci.navy.mil/afloat/, this website acts as a centralized hub for environmental compliance information. It is specifically crafted to assist sailors in easily locating, understanding, and adhering to the Navy’s comprehensive environmental policies. This digital toolbox complements existing systems like the protective measures assessment protocol (PMAP) and SONAR positional reporting system (SPORTS), creating a robust network of resources for environmental management at sea.
Elizabeth Nashold, Director of Fleet Installations and Environment at USFF, emphasizes the website’s core objective: “The goal of the website is to enable Sailors to be able to carry out their daily responsibilities while protecting the environment at the same time.” She further highlights the critical link between environmental compliance and operational readiness, stating, “As environmental compliance is essential to the fleet’s ability to train and generate ready forces, this toolbox will help our Sailors make the right decisions on environmental protection.” This tool is not just about adherence to regulations; it’s about equipping sailors with the means to be proactive environmental stewards while performing their duties.
The Afloat Environmental Compliance framework encompasses various critical areas, including strict vessel discharge restrictions, mandatory oil spill prevention and response training, diligent maintenance of pollution prevention and waste management equipment, and responsible shipboard hazardous material management. Furthermore, the policy integrates the use of PMAP for marine life safety during training exercises and SPORTS for diligent reporting of vessel’s active SONAR usage. This holistic approach ensures that environmental considerations are woven into every aspect of naval operations.
Carroll Sandidge, an Environmental Protection Specialist at USFF, describes the website as an indispensable “one-stop shop” for ships. “This web-based toolbox gives the ships a ‘one stop shop’ for all the tools they need to be knowledgeable on and act in accordance with applicable environmental compliance laws, regulations and policies wherever their missions take them,” Sandidge explains. He underscores the Navy’s dual commitment: “We want the public to understand that the ultimate goal is for the Navy to fully execute its national defense mission and simultaneously be responsible stewards of the sea, and this toolbox will help us do that.” The website embodies this commitment by providing easily accessible resources to navigate the complexities of maritime environmental law.
The comprehensive nature of the Afloat Environmental Compliance website is further elaborated by Greg Thompson, an Environmental Planner at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “The new AFLOAT website is comprehensive,” Thompson notes, “And so it has links to access PMAP, SPORTS, and marine species awareness training videos, which are required training for our Sailors.” This integration of diverse resources into a single platform streamlines access to vital information and training materials, saving valuable time and effort for sailors.
Adherence to environmental laws, regulations, and policies is not merely a matter of best practice; it is a legal and operational imperative. Failure to comply can lead to serious repercussions, including administrative or disciplinary actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), as well as potential federal and state legal penalties. Beyond individual consequences, violations can result in civil fines and, critically, restrictions on the Navy’s ability to conduct effective training, ultimately impacting long-term readiness. By utilizing the resources available on the Afloat Environmental Compliance website, the Navy ensures it operates within legal boundaries and effectively achieves its environmental stewardship objectives, safeguarding both operational capabilities and the health of the marine environment.
For more detailed information on U.S. Fleet Forces Command and its initiatives, please visit http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/default.aspx.
