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7/22/2023

New Law Upsets Some Port Workers

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Jul 12, 2011 — “In a way there are some things that have been dismantled,” said Captain Paul Kalapodas, a maritime expert.

The new rules for TWIC requirements. Captain Paul Kalapodas appeared on WTVJ
Some port workers in South Florida are upset over a bill that went into effect this week, which they say dismantles a security system that stops potential terrorism. 
The new Florida law now removes the state requirement for a criminal history screening for workers including those driving container trucks. It also removes the requirement for annual unannounced inspections by the state, and it repeals the statewide minimum security standards and prohibits ports from charging an extra fee to run a criminal background check.
 
“The federal government has regulations that we are going to comply with,” Gov. Rick Scott told NBC Miami when asked about the new law. “We are going to do a very good job at security. The federal government does a good job, and it’s redundant to do the same at the state level.”
 
The key to the federal port security system is a card —called a TWIC—for transportation worker identification credential. It requires a fingerprinted background check and supporters of the changes say the federal card keeps ports secure.

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7/22/2023

Meet the experts, with mike vilardi

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Appeared on the Mike Vilardi Show

Talked as a guest on the show, all things maritime and yachting, particularly in south Florida, private yachts and charter yachts, and comparison to commercial passenger vessels, and cruise ships.

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7/29/2020

Maritime college annual report

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Paul Kalapodas contributes to SUNY State University of New York Maritime College  sunymaritime.edu/sites/default/files/media/Documents/AnnualReport_1112.pdf

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7/29/2020

Captain's round table discussion with triton yachting

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Maritime Captains meet at round table discussion

Aug 29, 2019 by Lucy Chabot Reed
Attendees of The Triton’s From the Bridge discussion are, from left, Capt. Bruce Brooks of M/Y Pipe Dream; Capt. Andrew Preston of M/Y Probability S/F Bits and Bites; Capt. Paul Kalapodas of M/Y Lady Arlene and Capt. Kostas Andreu of M/Y Global.

www.the-triton.com/

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Photo by Dorie Cox

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Capt. Paul Kalapodas has appeared on various points of discussion as a subject matter expert.  Contact us for your vessel request needs.

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7/29/2020

South Florida Community Holds Vigil For 'El Faro' Crew

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Members of the South Florida with Paul Kalapodas and Meridian Marine Group, community gathered for a vigil honoring the crew of a ship lost at sea as Hurricane Joaquin slammed parts of the Caribbean.
CBS Miami local news.

https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/paul-kalapodas/miami.cbslocal.com/tag/paul-kalapodas/
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Capt Paul Kalapodas held the vigil ceremony
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7/29/2020

EL faro ship lost at sea

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deadly-sinking-cargo-vessel-due-captain-error/
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6/9/2020

Meet the Ship’s Captain and Staff on Your Cruise

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Four stripes is the top of the power chain!  The stripes start at the four and change depending on their rank. The top is Captain, Chief Engineer, Hotel Manager, Staff Captain, and Staff Chief Engineer. Then it goes down from there, three stripes, two and a half stripes, two stripes, one and a half stripes to one stripe. Captain Paul Kalapodas has shipboard experience.
There is nothing more embarrassing than talking to a crew member for a few minutes only to realize after that you are talking to the Captain!

Marine Staff versus Hotel Staff
Imagine that the jobs on the ship are split in two. One side is the actual working and sailing of the ship, the marine side and the other side is the one that keeps the passengers happy, the hotel side. Everything that is important to the running of the ship is handled by the marine staff. From engine to electrical, navigation to itinerary changes, the Captain and his staff oversee this.
Now, when it comes to the rest; the entertainment, the cabin upkeep, the Cruise Staff running bingo, the dining room and all the food, this all falls under the Hotel side of the ship. However, Captain trumps all! In the end, the Captain is responsible for the security of his ship and the satisfaction of his or her passengers. So, the Hotel Staff will always defer to the Captain when it comes down to any major issue.


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When you are on a ship where the staff is happy it makes all of the difference in the world. A Captain friend of ours on one of the largest cruise ships in the world once said that he told his staff they need to say hello to each other every time they pass in the halls. This taught all of them to have respect for every stripe and every position on the ship whether a one strip or four stripe. It was the friendliest and happiest ship we had ever sailed.
The Ship’s Captain and Old Time Cruising
There is nothing for us more important than trying to hold on to the traditions of classic cruising.
We have noticed that the larger the ship’s get the harder it is for first-time cruisers to understand what that means. So we would like to share it here so that you can truly enjoy the beauty and elegance of cruising. Take time to get to know the staff. Whether it is the Captain, Hotel Director, Chief Engineer if you see them around the ship say hello.

In general, they are quite friendly and relish a passenger that knows their value onboard. Who knows! You may get a special invite to dine with them, or get a private tour of the bridge! Remember, you are on a ship, not in a hotel.  Wardrobe! To really feel a part of classic cruising, try and show respect in the dining rooms and on Captain’s Night by upping your wardrobe. Even if that means just blinging out your nights with accessories, do it!



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Capt. Paul Kalapodas is a subject mater expert, and have commanded various vessels.  Please contact us for your vessel expertise requests. 

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6/9/2020

Making seafaring more appealing for a diverse and quality crew

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Making seafaring more appealing for a diverse and quality crew

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Nautilus contributed to a top-level meeting in March 2019
Nautilus contributed to a top-level meeting in March 2019 to develop a 'roadmap' for improving seafarer recruitment and retention practices across the global shipping industry...
In March 2019, delegates from more than 40 countries took part in a three-day International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting in Geneva, convened to consider ways of addressing the wide range of challenges and issues that may dissuade some new entrants and cause experienced seafarers to leave the seagoing profession – including shore leave, training, sea time, criminalisation and social communications.
The meeting was presented with a report which warned of the need for action to ensure that the shipping industry heads off a potential shortage of quality seafarers – pointing out that 'recruitment of officers has reduced over recent years, particularly from "traditional" maritime countries'.
The report pointed to high drop-out rates amongst cadets during or after training and noted that officers serve an average of seven years at sea before switching to shore-based jobs.
Seafaring offers many positives, the report added, with opportunities for good pay, travel and long-term careers in the wider maritime sector.
However, it said feedback from cadets had identified negative issues such as difficulties with multicultural interaction, safety, security, workload/stress, discrimination, harassment, and loneliness.
Delegates agreed that these issues need to be tackled, and that there should be a 'creative approach' to 'attract a sufficient number of quality new entrants and retain experienced seafarers – including women seafarers and other under-represented groups'.
Captain Paul Kalapodas has been working in the commercial shipping industry and well versed with issues at sea.


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6/9/2020

christine cooper new to the team

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    christine cooper new to the team

    Based in Miami she embraces the opportunity to work on the water and apply her marine and yachting skills. 

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  • Meridian Marine Group
  • Services
  • About
  • Contact
  • Sea Log
    • Caribbean Motor yacht
    • 135' Yacht
    • Instructor at Maritime College
  • News
    • CG Auxiliary
  • Nautical Shop
    • Engineering Equipment