Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 30 June 2009

Headlines: USCG – voluntary compliance with international sewage regulations; Piracy off Somalia; South Carolina – EPA grant to reduce diesel emissions; Testing of advanced radiation detection portal monitors; and NTSB – Acting Chairman stresses passenger ship safety.

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Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA

Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com – Internet: http://brymar-consulting.com

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items.

USCG – voluntary compliance with international sewage regulations

clip_image004 The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 1-09 providing guidance for US ships on voluntary compliance with MARPOL Annex IV – Sewage. On January 1, 2010, the revised effluent standards and performance test criteria for sewage treatment plants under MARPOL Annex IV will enter into force internationally. The United States is not party to MARPOL Annex IV. However, US-flag vessels visiting nations that are party to MARPOL Annex IV may need to demonstrate compliance therewith. The NVIC assists US-flag vessels, as well as manufacturers of shipboard sewage treatment plants and independent laboratories that test such equipment, in demonstrating compliance with the international requirements. 74 Fed. Reg. 31288 (June 30, 2009).

IMO – piracy off Somalia

clip_image006 The IMO issued a circular providing updated guidance and advice on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in waters off the coast of Somalia. MSC.1/Circ.1302 (4/16/09).

South Carolina – EPA grant to reduce diesel emissions

clip_image008 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it has awarded $1,999,900 to the South Carolina State Ports Authority to repower and retrofit cargo handling and other diesel equipment in the Port of Charleston. (6/29/09).

GAO – testing of advanced radiation detection portal monitors

clip_image010 The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released testimony before the Subcommittee on Investigations and oversight of the House Committee on Science and Technology regarding lessons learned for DHS (Department of Homeland Security) testing of advanced radiation detection portal monitors. The testimony indicates that testing methodology has improved, but continues to face challenges in reliably detecting attempts to smuggle nuclear material into the United States. GAO-09-804T (6/25/09).

NTSB – Acting Chairman stresses passenger ship safety

clip_image012 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a news release stating that, during his recent presentation to the Crescent River Pilots Association, Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker emphasized ensuring passenger ship safety on the nation’s waterways. (6/29/09).

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

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

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

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – June 2009

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