Digital Extra

Our company, Maritime Information Systems, located in Bristol, R.I., has been maintaining a web site called the Maritime Global Net. Our site is the largest maritime related site presently on-line, with over 270 links to commercial maritime organizations and company sites.

We'd like to let you know about this site as it is a very large resource of information on the maritime community both domestic and international. There are trade associations such as the American and International Associations of Ports where their members would be interested in sharing their views on the Barge Grounding.

Also, I'd like to compliment the authors of your main story on the crisis, which was on the front page of this Sunday's ProJo. Their story was highly factual and correct in its representation of the industry. The industry does regulate itself in a way, but for it's own purposes. These gentlemen know that if there is a grounding - from negligence - such as the Exxon Valdez, that they will be out of business. I have worked as a professional mariner and know that the government has not done its job in regulating this industry. It goes well beyond the Tug & Barge industry. Most people are not aware of the situation and the nature of the marine transportation industry, and that includes politicians and other government officials.

At the very least, our site will give you an inside view to the industry and you'll find references and contacts.

Your reporters interviewed a Harry Anderson from the Rhea Bouchard, whom I personally sailed with, and he definitely made a very good point. These men are trying to make a living in a very dangerous field.

Our site is located at http://www.mglobal.com.

Phone 401-253-1211

Fax 401-253-3602

Moses Calouro

Maritime Information Systems

mgn@mglobal.com