Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 11 May 2009

Headlines: USCG – craft routinely operated dockside; piracy update; influenza update; meeting re seafarer shortage and piracy; high-level meeting re climate change; R&D forum re HNS; sinking barge beached near Dover

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USCG – craft routinely operated dockside

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it is adopting a new policy to no longer inspect permanently moored craft or issue Certificates of Inspection to such craft unless a craft demonstrates that it is a vessel, capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. The policy change comes into effect immediately. For permanently moored craft that currently possess a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection, that have been designed to Coast Guard regulations, and that may not be acceptable for regulation immediately by the state having jurisdiction, inspection services may continue, with state concurrence, until May 11, 2011. 74 Fed. Reg. 21814 (May 11, 2009).

NATO – piracy update

The NATO Shipping Centre issued a press release stating that two ships were unsuccessfully attacked by pirates on May 7 – one off the coast of Somalia and the other in the Gulf of Aden. A smaller, slower vessel was hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden on May 6. (5/8/09).

WHO & CDC – Influenza A (H1N1) updates – 4,379 cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an update stating that, as of 0730 GMT, 10 May, 29 countries have reported 4,379 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. WHO also released a world map showing the geographic extent of the outbreak. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update stating that 44 states have reported a total of 2,532 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu infection. (5/10/09).

IMO – meeting re seafarer shortage and piracy

The IMO issued a news release stating that on 30 March it hosted a meeting with the Round Table of international shipping associations and the International Transport Workers’ Federation to review progress on addressing the seafarer shortage and the scourge of piracy. (5/2/09).

IMO – high-level meeting re climate change

The IMO issued a news release stating that Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos hosted a meeting at IMO Headquarters with Mr. Y. de Boer, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Mr. R. Kobeh Gonzalez, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 15) that will be held in Copenhagen in December. (5/8/09).

IMO – R&D forum on HNS

The IMO issued a news release stating that the Fourth R&D Forum on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) in the Marine Environment will be held in Marseille on 12-14 May. (5/8/09).

Hong Kong – hosting diplomatic conference

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a press release stating that on May 11-15, Hong Kong will be hosting the IMO diplomatic conference on ship recycling. This is the first international maritime diplomatic conference to be held in Asia. (4/30/09).

Panama Canal – operations summary for April

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory summarizing its operations for April. It includes a schedule of locks maintenance work for the remainder of the fiscal year. Advisory 08-2009 (5/5/09).

UK – sinking barge beached near Dover

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that it was coordinating assistance to a barge in danger of foundering in waters of Langdon Bay near Dover. A second press notice states that the barge has been beached near Deal. The barge is unmanned and presents no threat of pollution. (5/8/09).

USCG – National Security Cutter BERTHOLF receives final acceptance

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that the first National Security Cutter, USCGC Bertholf, has been taken into final acceptance by the Coast Guard. Effectively, the cutter has transitioned from an acquisition project to the operations and sustainment phases of its service life. (5/8/09).

USCG – last 44-foot motor life boat decommissioned

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that the last 44-foot motor life boat has been decommissioned in a ceremony in Chatham, Massachusetts. The 44-foot motor life boat class was first commissioned at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore in 1963. It has been replaced by the new 42-foot special purpose near shore lifeboat. The decommissioned craft will be presented to the Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut. (5/6/09).

Channel Islands – real rescue during Safe Boating Expo

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that one of its boat crews performed a real rescue during the Channel Islands Safe Boating Expo in California. Diverting from providing orientation to visitors, the boat crew rescued the six persons on a disabled speedboat that was emitting smoke. (5/9/09).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91^st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – May 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution