15 Summer 2025 Proceedings A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words How embedded geographic information system operations enhance recovery operations by lcdR alfRed Betts Branch Chief Emergency Management and Force Readiness Sector Boston U.S. Coast Guard thomas Vitullo Port Security Specialist Sector Boston U.S. Coast Guard T he Marine Transportation System (MTS) is vast, encompassing waterways, ports, and shore-side connections that facilitate the movement of people and goods to and from the water. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation statistics, marine freight increases significantly every decade, with ferry trans- port experiencing rapid growth in response to land- transport congestion. More frequently, the U.S. military depends on a highly functional MTS, as it is critical to our national and economic security. About 99% of over- seas trade enters or leaves the United States by ship. This waterborne cargo, and associated activity, contributes more than $500 billion dollars to the U.S. gross domes- tic product, generates more than $200 billion in annual federal, state, and local taxes, and sustains more than 10 million jobs, which results in more than $4.6 trillion in economic activity annually.1 Our ports are not just an avenue for movement of goods and people, they have evolved into societal eco- systems, where newer end users desire nearly the same level of access and use. Port areas that were once highly industrialized or home to hundreds of fishing or com- mercial vessels have made way for mixed-use waterfront areas with increased tourism, retail, residential, and event venues. Oftentimes, these new and exciting mixed- use hubs are just a short distance away from Marine Transportation Safety Act-regulated facilities that have demanding physical and cybersecurity requirements. Maritime activities within the port of Boston, the largest container port north of New York, have changed significantly, including an increase in autonomous vessel activity, seaplanes, larger deep draft vessels, tug/barge work for petroleum products, and offshore wind sup- port vessels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in recreational vessel activity and marine construction projects. The MTS and associated waterfront areas will become even more complex when we overlay the forecasted impacts of rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of storms that impact our ports. This major con- fluence of competing demands requires that we adjust our actions to paint as comprehensive a picture of the MTS and all its users as possible. This information is The Expansive Marine Transportation System The U.S. Marine Transportation System includes approximately: • 25,000 miles of navigable channels • 250 locks • 3,500 marine terminals • 361 commercial ports • 20,000 bridges • Thousands of recreational marinas • The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway Intertwined with those elements are approximately: • 174,000 miles of rail connecting all 48 contiguous states, Canada, and Mexico • 45,000 miles of interstate highways and 115,000 miles of supporting roadways • 1,400 designated intermodal connections
