GNOBFA Marks 40th Anniversary With Power- Packed Agenda

Artificial intelligence in the maritime world, changes in the rules for handling and reporting sexual harassment and how to test for and regulate cannabis use are among the topics to be discussed and debated by experts in maritime law, marine insurance and medicine as the oldest and most respected maritime law seminar is gearing up for its annual event in New Orleans.  The Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association (GNOBFA) is passing a significant milestone as it holds its 40th River and Marine Industry Seminar at the Intercontinental Hotel in New Orleans, its traditional venue, from April 24 through April 26.

After opening remarks by GNOBFA President Karl Gonzales of Cooper Marine and seminar co-directors Alan J. Savoie and Thomas G. Grantham, this year’s keynote address will be given by Rear Admiral David C. Barata, United States Coast Guard Eighth District commander.

The first panel will be a “lightning round” that discusses recent cases in maritime law.  Topics addressed include the “subsequent remedial measures” rule of evidence, who qualifies as a Jones Act seamen and whether there is a “bystander claim” in a maritime accident.

Next, a panel made up of moderator Marc Hebert of Jones Walker; Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark Boats; Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, assistant commandant for prevention policy of the U.S. Coast Guard; and Capt. Andrew Meyers, chief of the Coast Guard’s Office of Port & Facility Compliance, discusses the hot topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is affecting marine operations. Topics include liability, remote control of vessels, unmanned operations and cyber-risks.

After a break, a new panel returns to a perennial topic: “The past, present and future of maintenance and cure,” which are payments available only to mariners under the Jones Act in case of injury or illness aboard ship. Panelists are defense attorney Kristi A. Post of Blake Jones Law Firm and plaintiff attorney Guerric S.D.L. Russell of Nicoletti Hornig & Sweeney.

After lunch, panelists Kent Morrison of Phelps Dunbar LLP, GNOBFA veteran presenter Brian Bourgeois, M.D. and occupational medicine doctor Trevor Bardarson discuss occupational medicine and its importance in managing personal injury claims.

The first day winds up with a panel on a topic of increasing concern to marine operators: how to handle drug testing and cannabis use among crew members, especially as more and more states legalize recreational use of cannabis. Panel members include Jason A. Culotta of Jones Walker LLP; Labor Attorney Patrick Mannion of the Office of Drug & Alcohol Prevention & Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard; Spencer Murphy, general counsel at Canal Barge Company; and health and safety professional Angie Perez.

Thursday opens with a rare topic: the motion in limine, in which a plaintiff asks a judge to order opposing counsel to exclude certain topics or evidence from the hearing of jurors even before a jury has been selected. Panelists include long-time GNOBFA panelist Jeff Tillery of Jones Walker, defense attorney Anthony Buzbee and plaintiff attorney John W. Theriot.

The next panel deals with the new sexual harassment regulations enacted by the Coast Guard and promulgated in MSIB-23. Panelists include defense attorney Dana S. Merkel of Blank Rome and Capt. Evelynn B. Samms, chief of the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The afternoon sessions on Thursday open with a “lightning round” summarizing and discussing recent cases in maritime law. Topics addressed include the “subsequent remedial measures” rule of evidence, who qualifies as a Jones Act seaman and whether there is a “bystander claim” in a maritime accident.  It will be followed by a panel on the perennial topic of maritime contracts; another one on allisions, collisions and salvage; and a panel on maritime lien and seizure.”

Friday opens with a special breakfast session on a scenario everyone hopes never happens to them: how to handle a special investigation by the Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board in the event of a serious marine incident. Panelists include Capt. Greg Callahan, sector commander of the Coast Guard in New Orleans; marine insurer Charles McCammon; Robert “Chip” Birthisel of Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel; defense attorney Michael W. Magner of Jones Walker; and criminal defense attorney Nicholas D. Moses.

For more information or to register, visit www.gnobfa.com.