Page 34: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q3 2016)

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SUPPLY CHAIN REGULATIONS

Photo: FMC

THE LOGISTICS OF REGULATING

THE SUPPLY CHAIN

FMC COMMISSIONER WILLIAM P. DOYLE DEFINES THE MISSION, MACHINA-

TIONS AND MANY TRIUMPHS OF THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION.

BY JOSEPH KEEFE t would not be a stretch to say that the Federal Maritime the transportation industry, including both the maritime and

Commission (FMC) is perhaps the least understood, possi- energy sectors. While still serving in the U.S. Merchant Ma-

Ibly the most obscure, and at the very same time, one of the rine, he entered law school at Widener University School of most important federal agencies on the commercial waterfront Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. All told; he probably has today. The independent federal agency is responsible for regu- one of the broadest backgrounds in terms of maritime affairs lating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for of anyone on the FMC staff and his perspectives, because of the bene? t of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consum- it, are that much more valuable. er. Along the way, FMC says that its mission is to foster a fair, Even Bill Doyle will tell you that the FMC wasn’t necessar- ef? cient and reliable international ocean transportation system ily on his Radar when the opportunity presented itself. He ex- and to protect the public from unfair and deceptive practices. plains, “I was not familiar with the FMC while in law school,

In a nutshell, says, FMC commissioner William P. Doyle, let alone as a cadet. And, when I sailed, it was always on U.S.- fairness and ef? ciency in the U.S. maritime commerce sectors Flag vessels which come under the jurisdiction of the U.S. is the primary focus of his organization. How that gets accom- Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration. Later, I had plished is a bit more complicated than one might think. Doyle, studied international law and become increasingly interested who has been a ? xture on the Commission since President in the global movement of goods and the ? ow of energy. To

Obama appointed him in January of 2013, arrived there via this end, I was selected to serve in a few advisory roles under an interesting career path. He is a 1992 graduate of the Mas- both the Bush and Obama Administrations. That eventually sachusetts Maritime Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of led to a call from the White House in 2011, asking if I was

Science in Marine Engineering. interested in being vetted and perhaps nominated by Presi-

Doyle, who served for over a decade as an of? cer in the dent Obama for the position of Commissioner to the FMC. I

U.S. Merchant Marine as a marine engineer aboard numerous said yes. And now, I have been con? rmed twice by the U.S. classes of vessels, also boasts over 20 years of experience in Senate.” Nevertheless, Doyle was no stranger to contracts and 34 Maritime Logistics Professional 3Q 2016I 34-49 Q3 MP2016.indd 34 8/17/2016 10:31:14 AM