Sea Technology

MAR 2017

The industry's recognized authority for design, engineering and application of equipment and services in the global ocean community

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www.sea-technology.com March 2017 / st 25 D onna Kocak is the new president of the Marine Technology Society (MTS), having replaced Ray Toll on January 1, 2017. She has been an active MTS mem- ber for more than 20 years, serving on the board of di- rectors as vice president of publications for three years prior to becoming the head of MTS. Kocak has organized conferences and workshops for both MTS and the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society. She has more than 28 years' experience in the ocean engineering ‡eld, supporting design, development and testing of various projects, as well as starting a small business to develop software for underwater video/laser imaging systems. In her present position as an advanced programs engineer at Har- ris Corp.'s Space and Intelligence business segment, Kocak is spearheading maritime projects with industry, govern- ment and academia. She holds three master's degrees and was named the "2012 Outstanding Woman Engineer" by the Space Coast Society of Women Engineers. Here, she discusses her new role and the future of MTS. As president of MTS, what direction would you like to see MTS take? Thank you. Our vision for MTS is laid out in a new strategic plan, wherein we de‡ne the following key goals that will guide the allocation and redistribution of our re- sources over the next ‡ve years: strengthen and expand relationships to strategic sectors of the maritime industry; establish MTS as an invaluable resource to marine policy makers; improve and expand MTS conferences, meetings and workshops as truly world class; expand and modern- ize our educational impact; and grow and retain member- ship through improved member bene‡ts. In addition, we are crafting an implementation plan that translates these strategic objectives into actions, which include both the means to achieve and to measure their effectiveness and success, as well as ensure alignment across the organiza- tion. Both plans are •exible and will be reviewed and ad- justed periodically to balance the needs of all stakehold- ers, short-term and longer-term horizons, and intelligent risks with stability. These plans are consistent with MTS operating principles and will be shared and discussed with the society membership, regularly and fully. What are some topics or issues that you would like to see MTS raise awareness of with respect to marine technology? There are several important global topics that we would like to bring to the forefront at our conferences and Tech- Surges, and in special issues of the MTS Journal. We have a very strong board comprising among them hundreds of years' experience in the marine industry, research, educa- tion and the most senior levels of government. Our goal is to leverage this leadership to guide our activities with member subject matter experts, member companies, as well as organizations outside MTS. In light of increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks, mari- time cybersecurity for both commercial and government maritime operators has become a strategic focus. MTS can help serve the global maritime community to come to- gether with new technologies and standardized plans and procedures that protect network and computer assets on ships, at terminals and ports, in addition to computerized equipment supporting maritime operations. Value-added services brought about by new technologies and process- ing of big data are helping decision makers expand the global and our national maritime economy. This is another key area where MTS can play a role. Improvements in ship design, ef‡ciency and energy are embraced in an indus- try that counts pennies. We are planning a TechSurge to explore some out-of-the-box, bio-inspired propulsion and hull forms that may incite new vessel designs. Ocean energy and power is another critical area identi- ‡ed by the Of‡ce of Naval Research, as evidenced by their Forward Deployed Energy and Communications Outpost program. This program was highlighted and described at the recent joint Navy-Industry-University MTS TechSurge held in Fort Lauderdale, discussing natural, renewable en- ergy sources, as well as novel, manmade power sources. This year's MTS/IEEE OCEANS'17 Conference in An- chorage will highlight the critical need for enhanced mari- ST Q&A; New President Heads .BSJOF5FDIOPMPHZ4PDJFUZ An Interview with Donna Kocak

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