Community Partnerships

ATC's strategy for building partnerships has been to focus on internal and external stakeholders that are closest to our business. In this way, we have been able to establish partnerships that have not only opened doors for mutual cooperation and benefit, but also helped in our growth from a new, untested company in 1999, to the mature organization we are today.

Among our most critical partnerships are: The U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska State Legislature, Alaska State Department of Environmental Conservation, Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (RCAC), and the State of Washington Department of Ecology. The ATC staff maintains these meaningful partnerships based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the environment.

In addition to these critical partnerships, ATC also partners with institutions that provide safety and environmental education to cadets and apprentices. Some key educational partnerships include: The U.S. Department of Transportation - Maritime Administration, the Seafarer's International Union, the Ship Operations Cooperative Program, the American Petroleum Institute's Environmental and Safety Initiative Sub-Commitee, and the National Safety Council Waterborne Transportation Group.

These are just a few examples of our partnerships with our stakeholders.

Regional Citizen's Advisory Council (RCAC)
The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) is an independent non-profit corporation that promotes the environmentally safe operation of the Alyeska Pipeline Marine Terminal in Valdez, Alaska and the oil tankers that use it.

The presence of icebergs in the tanker lanes of Prince William Sound are recognized as a significant oil spill risk. The RCAC developed the Reef Island Ice Detection Radar Tower project to: (1) provide the USCG with real-time information regarding ice conditions, and (2) promote the research and development of new radar technologies. ATC participated in the Reef Island Ice Detection Radar Project by transporting the radar tower on an ATC vessel from the West Coast to Valdez, Alaska.

Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP)
The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) address and promotes commercial operations through the identification, development, and application of new methods, procedures, and technologies. SOCP's overall objective is to improve the competitiveness, productivity, efficiency, safety , and environmental responsiveness of US vessel operations. All US based vessel operators and organizations that support vessel operations are eligible to participate in the program. With the support of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), industry, labor, and Government are working together to address common challenges and identify new solutions for improvements in ship operations. To see some of the current projects SOCP is involved in, please visit their website and explore the tab titled "Projects".