Nov 27 2006
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Project contacted Pacific River Maritime Security recently to secure their boat patrol services at the site of the new bridge project. Pacific River has been providing the project with two security patrol boats since July of 2006. The work will continue in December to finish raising the remaining bridge pieces.
Pacific River is there to aid in public safety by keeping boaters and other seagoing vessels out of harms way during lift operations. "We are customer service first, but safety is a priority" said Alan Espasandin, President and CEO of Pacific River. Many boaters are curious and want to watch the operations. We are there to allow them to observe but from a safe distance. The U.S. Coast Guard has declared a safety zone around the operation that requires boaters to stay at least 500 feet from all vessels involved in the construction operations.
"So far the project has gone without incident and we are working hard to insure the remaining days are safe for boaters and the construction crew." said Darrin Taylor, Pacific River's Special Operations Director. The company recognizes peoples desire to take photos and observe the lifting of the large bridge sections, but is contracted to enforce the Coast Guard Safety Zone.
Pacific River Maritime Security spends hours under and near the bridge project on their two patrol boats; the Misty Blue America and the Pacific River Freedom. Because of the long hours and their concern for safety the boat operaters work in varied shifts and are able to rest using their company mobile office. The security officers have also made good use of their time near the project by taking several photos, most of which are sure to become historical archives for the bridge's history.
You can see some of the photos at www.maritime.photostockplus.com where you can actually purchase the photos or have them put on various merchandise. There are some additional photos on their website where you can learn about their other services they provide in the Northwest such as on-site Maritime Compliance Officers at shipyards and armed MCO services for merchant vessels.