Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 15 May 2009

Headlines: influenza update; piracy update; Dominion Cove Point LNG moorings; FMC meeting; HSRP meeting; temporary safety zone in Massachusetts Bay; bill introduced re Great Lakes icebreaker; bill introduced to establish National Goods Movement Improvement Fund; ship recycling diplomatic conference; Canada – National Waters Protection Act; Hong Kong – measures re infectious disease

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WHO & CDC – Influenza A (H1N1) updates – 6,497 cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an update stating that, as of 0600 GMT, 14 May, 33 countries have reported 6,497 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update stating that 47 states have reported a total of 4,298 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu infection. (5/14/09).

NATO – piracy update

The NATO Shipping Centre issued an update stating that, on May 12, the cargo vessel Safmerine Bandama was attacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean 750 miles east of Mogadishu. Persons in two skiffs fired small arms and RPGs. The ship carried out evasive maneuvers and the skiffs departed after 45 minutes. (5/13/09).

FERC – Dominion Cove Point LNG facility EA

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice stating that it prepared an environmental assessment (EA) of the pier reinforcement project proposed by Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP for its liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in Chesapeake Bay. The purpose of the project is to upgrade the mooring capabilities at the facility so as to allow for safe handling of larger LNG carriers. Comments on the EA should be submitted by June 8. 74 Fed. Reg. 22919 (May 15, 2009).

FMC – meeting

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that it will meet in its offices in Washington, DC on May 20. Topics to be considered during the open session include passenger vessel financial responsibility and the FMC’s SERVCON System. 74 Fed. Reg. 22929 (May 15, 2009).

HSRP – meeting

The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP), sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct a conference call meeting on June 8. Topics on the agenda include coordination of hydrographic survey standards and datums; funding of restoration efforts and the PORTS program; and improvements to the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). 74 Fed. Reg. 22887 (May 15, 2009).

Massachusetts – extension of temporary safety zone

The US Coast Guard has extended, through May 20, the temporary safety zone on waters of Massachusetts Bay around the wreck of the fishing vessel Patriot so that salvage work may be completed. 74 Fed. Reg. 22828 (May 15, 2009).

Bill introduced to authorize construction of Great Lakes icebreaker

Senator Levin (D-MI) introduced a bill (S. 1024) to authorize appropriations for the design, acquisition, and construction of a combined buoy tender-icebreaker to replace icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (5/12/09).

Bill introduced to establish National Goods Movement Improvement Fund

Representative Richardson (D-CA) introduced a bill (H.R. 2355) to establish a National Goods Movement Improvement Fund to provide funding for infrastructure projects that will improve the movement of goods, mitigate environmental damage caused by the movement of goods, and enhance the security of transported goods to establish a National Goods Movement Improvement Fund to provide funding for infrastructure projects that will improve the movement of goods, mitigate environmental damage caused by the movement of goods, and enhance the security of transported goods Official text of the bill is not yet available. (5/12/09).

IMO – ship recycling diplomatic conference

The IMO issued a news release stating that the diplomatic conference to adopt an international convention on the recycling of ships is being held in Hong Kong on 11-15 May. (5/12/09).

Canada – proposal to amend Navigable Waters Protection Act

Transport Canada issued a media release stating that steps are being undertaken to modernize the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA). The goal is to streamline government review and permitting processes by defining classes of minor works and waters that have no significant impact on navigation. The proposal would also modernize inspection and enforcement powers. (5/8/09).

Hong Kong – temporary installation of current meters

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that current meters will temporary be installed on the seabed in two locations in Hong Kong waters. Ships should avoid anchoring at these locations. The current meters are due to remain in place for about 12 months. Notice No. 62 of 2009 (5/11/09).

Hong Kong – measures re infectious disease

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that, effective immediately, the master of any vessel arriving in Hong Kong with any person on board who, in the previous 7 days, has visited an area infected with Swine Influenza A/H1N1 or had contact with persons with suspected or confirmed Human Swine Influenza and is feeling unwell must inform the Port Health Officer. The information must also be included in the pre-arrival notice to the Marine Department. If the vessel has a suspected case of an infectious disease on board, its prior exemption from port health clearance requirements is void and the vessel must proceed to quarantine anchorage. Notice No. 60 of 2009 (5/11/09).

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