21 Fall 2025 Proceedings many operating in the Bering Sea and beyond. Information gathered from marine safety sites and satellite tracking services are directed to MXAK’s 24/7 Maritime Operations Center where maritime informa- tion specialists actively monitor vessel traffic, com- municate with operators, and disseminate critical information. A visit to the operations center will quickly reveal the pride and professionalism MXAK employees have in their shared mission. Using the latest technolo- gies, the operations center identifies anomalies, investi- gates, and if necessary, alerts responders. Often the first line of defense in preventing major marine casualties or being the first—and sometimes only entity—to hear and respond to mayday calls, they understand the stakes and the importance of reducing the time between problem identification and response. In mid-November 2024, a marine safety site located on Kodiak Island’s Elbow Mountain picked up a dis- tress call from M/V Yahoo in Marmot Bay off Kodiak Island. The MXAK Maritime Operations Center received the distress call and collaborated with the Coast Guard, which deployed a helicopter to rescue the three mari- ners onboard. The disabled vessel was never recovered. This case could have had a much different outcome if the Yahoo’s distress call had not been received. Although response incidents validate the need for supplemental coverage, MXAK’s priority has always been prevention. The staff of 33 contributes broad skill- sets and represents diverse backgrounds, including more than 150 years of former Coast Guard service. From Technologies installed on marine safety sites allow MXAK to track vessels, collect and transmit safety messages and environmental conditions, as well as moni tor VHF-FM traffic for distress calls, and communicate crucial information to prevent and respond to maritime disasters. Photo courtesy of Marine Exchange Alaska regulatory specialists offering compliance services, to software engineers, field technicians, and data analysts, the crew has created a maritime safety net from the ground up. Their shared commitment to providing the best available services helps prevent maritime incidents and save lives. Prevention starts early. MXAK’s regulatory compli- ance department helps members navigate complex fed- eral, state, and international maritime safety, security, and environmental regulations. The goal is to not just meet regulatory requirements, but to identify practical solutions unique to Alaska’s environments. The orga- nization also provides vessel and facility security and response plans, audits, and various training. By working with multiple agencies and industry partners throughout Alaska, the Marine Exchange can share best practices, develop consistency and awareness. MXAK’s compliance staff also works with the National Park Service (NPS) and the cruise ship industry to conduct third-party environ- mental audits on large cruise ships operating in Glacier Bay National Park. Selected at random, an unannounced compliance officer boards cruise ships while underway in park boundaries, conducts audits and reports findings to the NPS. The program has been an enormous success showcasing cooperation between industry, the federal government, and a nonprofit organization. MXAK shares information and works closely with other national marine exchanges, some that have oper- ated for more than 175 years. Together, the organiza- tions form the Maritime Information Services of North
