Charting the Course for Maritime Safety Education
How Columbia Southern University’s new maritime safety program aims to prepare the next generation of safety professionals for work on the water and beyond.
- By David Kopf
- Nov 06, 2025
Maritime and terminal operations are among the most complex, high-risk environments in the world—but until recently, few academic programs have focused on their unique safety challenges. That’s changing with Columbia Southern University’s new maritime safety concentration, featured in the latest episode of the OH&S Safety Pod.
Dr. Travis Smith, Academic Program Director in CSU’s College of Safety and Emergency Services, and Bobby Oberlechner, maritime safety and compliance professional, discuss how the program equips students to address a wide range of risks across ports, shipping, and offshore operations.
The interview examines why maritime safety has long been “a mile wide and an inch deep,” exploring how CSU’s curriculum integrates real-world case studies, regulatory complexity, and systemic thinking to prepare professionals for dynamic, interconnected environments. Smith and Oberlechner also share insights on the program’s ideal candidates and how it helps safety professionals transition into leadership roles within the global maritime industry.
Download or stream this episode today from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon and more.
Sponsored by Columbia Southern University:
For more than 30 years, Columbia Southern University has been a leader in occupational safety and health education. Taught by experienced safety experts, CSU’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in occupational safety and health are recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as Graduate Safety Practitioner® Qualified Academic Programs.
Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/OHS to learn more.
About the Author
David Kopf is the publisher and executive editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine.