Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 14 May 2009

Headlines: USCG Maritime Security Directive; heavy weather RNA proposed for New Orleans; Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting; certificates and documents required to be carried on ships; proper testing of SSAS; complacency leads to collision

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USCG – Maritime Security Directive issued

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that it issued a revised Maritime Security Directive requiring owners and operators of US-flag vessels operating in waters at high risk of piracy or armed robbery at sea to develop detailed security plans and submit those plans to the Coast Guard for consideration and approval. For ships transiting waters of the Gulf of Aden or off the Horn of Africa the requirements are extensive and use of security teams (possibly armed) is encouraged, but the basic requirements apply to US ships in any of the identified high-risk areas. The full directive is classified as Security Sensitive Information (SSI) and is not available to release to the general public. (5/12/09).

New Orleans – proposed heavy weather RNA for IHNC and GIWW

The US Coast Guard proposes to establish a regulated navigation area (RNA) on certain waters of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) in the vicinity of New Orleans that would, during certain weather conditions, prohibit all floating vessels within those waters. The goal is to protect flood walls, levees, dikes, and other flood-protection structures from being damaged by those vessels during severe weather conditions. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by June 15. 74 Fed. Reg. 22722 (May 14, 2009).

Shipping Coordinating Committee – meeting

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on June 19 to prepare for the upcoming sessions of the IMO Council and the Technical Co-Operation Committee. Topics on the agenda include protection of vital sea lanes and ship recycling. 74 Fed. Reg. 22625 (May 13, 2009).

Singapore – certificates and documents required to be carried on ships

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular providing an updated list of certificates and documents required to be carried on board Singapore-flag ships. Since the vast majority of the certificates and documents on this 34-page list are internationally required, it provides a good check-list for all vessels engaged on international voyages. Note: No mention is made of either the librarian required to keep these documents up to date or the adverse impact on stability caused by carriage of all this paper. Shipping Circular No. 18 of 2009 (5/12/09).

Singapore – proper testing of SSAS

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular providing guidance on the proper procedure for testing of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). Shipping Circular No. 19 of 2009 (5/12/09).

UK – complacency leads to collision

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation of the collision between a general cargo vessel and a bulk carrier in the Dover Strait on 29 October 2008. Neither vessel had a lookout on the bridge at the time of the incident. The officer of the watch on each vessel failed to detect the other vessel until moments prior to the collision. The radars, AISs, and other devices on both ships were operating properly, but were not being used effectively. Masters on both vessels failed to issue night orders and otherwise emphasize the importance of safe navigation. The major cause of the collision was ascribed to complacency. Report No. 10/2009. The MAIB also issued an Accident Flyer summarizing the incident and the lessons learned. (5/14/09).

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