Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 8 June 2009

Headlines: Influenza updates; Shipwrecked Somali sailors returned to home; Commissioner Brennan to serve as Acting FMC Chairman; New address protocol for USCG HQ; Vessel owner sentenced to fine and probation; Oil spill response exercise; Small vessel security exercise; GMDSS Task Force meeting; Members sought for National Invasive Species Council; Canada shore power initiative; and Anniversary.

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WHO & CDC – Influenza A (H1N1) updates – 21,940 cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an update stating that, as of 0600 GMT, 5 June, 69 countries have reported 21,940 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 125 deaths. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update stating that 50 states have reported a total of 13,217 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu infection, including 27 deaths. (5/29/09).

EU – shipwrecked Somali sailors returned to home

The European Union (EU) issued a press release stating that four Somali sailors have been returned home to the Somali Coast Guard. On May 28, a warship of EU NAVFOR ATALANTA found eight Somali sailors adrift in a small boat with no functioning engine. Two of the sailors were deceased, four were injured, and two were unharmed. The four injured sailors were taken to Djibouti for medical treatment, while the uninjured sailors were returned to Somalia a week ago. (6/7/09).

FMC – Commissioner Brennan to serve as Acting Chairman

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a news release stating that President Obama has designated Commissioner Joseph E. Brennan to serve as Acting Chairman. (6/5/09).

USCG – new address protocol for CGHQ

The US Coast Guard issued a message stating that, effective 15 June, the official mailing address for Coast Guard Headquarters (CGHQ) will change because mail is being routed through the DHS Consolidated Remote Delivery Site (CRDS) [previously referred to as Vice President Cheney’s bunker]. In addition to the Directorate Staff Number (such as CG-5555), all mail is to include the MAILSTOP and ZIP Plus Four Code. All addresses should also be in CAPITAL LETTERS, with no punctuation except for the hyphen in the ZIP Plus Four Code. Room numbers should not be included. Job titles/functions may be in the ATTN line, but not individual staff member names. ALCOAST 336-09 (6/3/09). The Coast Guard also issued a Special Notice showing the alignment of staff symbols with mailstops and ZIP+4 codes. Note: It sounds like the CRDS will be using optical character readers (OCRs) to sort the mail. I assume that this constitutes progress, but only time will tell.

DOJ – vessel owner sentenced to pay $2.2 million fine and serve probation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the owner of a cargo vessel from which waste oil was dumped into the ocean and whose oil record book was falsified was sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $2.2 million and to serve four years of probation during which it must institute a court-supervised environmental compliance program. The company had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy, falsifying records, and making false statements. (6/5/09).

Hawaii – oil spill response exercise

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that crew from around the country participated in the first ever joint Boom Deployment Course near Honolulu. Participants practiced five different oil spill response boom deployments. (6/5/09).

Boston – small vessel security exercise

The US Coast Guard issued a press release stating that it partnered with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to conduct a port security operation in offshore waters near Boston. The operation was intended to improve small vessel security, which recognizes the threat posed by vessels of less than 300 tons. (6/5/09).

GMDSS Task Force – meeting

The GMDSS Task Force, sponsored by the US Coast Guard, issued a Summary Record of its May 7 meeting. Topics addressed at the meeting included: GMDSS modernization; LRIT; and Rescue 21. (6/5/09).

DOI – members sought for National Invasive Species Council

The Department of the Interior is seeking nominations for membership on the National Invasive Species Council. Among the industry sectors for which they are seeking representation is the shipping industry. Nominations should be submitted by July 23. 74 Fed. Reg. 27162 (June 8, 2009).

Canada – shore power initiative

Transport Canada issued a media release stating that round two of the Marine Shore Power Program has been launched. Eligible port authorities and terminal operators may apply for cost-sharing funds to install transformers to provide electrical power to ships. (6/4/09).

Anniversary

This weekend, my bride and I went away to celebrate the 41st anniversary of our wedding. (I will leave it to you to do the math.) I don’t know whether the luckiest day of my life was when we got married or today, when she continues to put up with me. Our love continues to grow and mature.

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 – June 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution