Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 10 July 2009

Headlines: IMO – agenda for MEPC session; UK consultation on smoke-free provisions for ships; CTF 150 – drug seizure in Gulf of Aden; Boaters do not have a right to free long-term anchorage in public waters; MARAD – grants awarded to small shipyards; MARAD – two more obsolete ships sold for recycling; Inland Waterways Users Board meeting; FMC – August meeting; and Columbia River – barge aground.

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IMO – agenda for MEPC session

The IMO issued a news release summarizing the agenda for the upcoming session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships will be the major topic. Other items to be considered are: (1) the proposed US-Canada Emission Control Area (ECA); (2) guidelines for development of a volatile organic compound (VOC) management plan; (3) transfer of oil cargo between tankers at sea; (4) guidelines to implement the ship recycling convention; and (5) the impact of ship noise on marine life. (7/9/09).

UK – consultation on smoke-free provisions on ships

The UK Department for Transport issued the Parliamentary Statement of Paul Clark, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport announcing that the Department has initiated a Public Consultation on the smoke-free ships. The proposal, if adopted, would prohibit smoking in enclosed spaces on ships operating within the 12 nm UK territorial waters. Exceptions would be made for ships in innocent passage, on ships in properly designated smoking areas, and on pleasure vessels not carrying fare-paying passengers or employed crew. Comments on this proposal should be submitted by October 9. (7/9/09).

CTF 150 – drug seizure in Gulf of Aden

The US Navy issued a news release stating that forces from Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 stopped a dhow in the Gulf of Aden near Oman and seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics. The dhow had been tracked by a US Navy patrol aircraft. Boarding and seizure was performed by a British warship. (7/9/09).

Boaters do not have a right to free long-term anchorage in public waters

In an unpublished decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the lower court’s dismissal of an action for failure to state a claim. Plaintiff had sued the local port authority claiming a right to free long-term anchorage in the port. The court held that boaters have no constitutional right to unregulated long-term anchorage in public navigable waters. It further rejected plaintiff’s assertion that such long-term anchoring should be considered a fundamental right. Renard v. San Diego Unified Port District, No. 08-55412 (9th Cir., July 8, 2009).

MARAD – grants awarded to small shipyards

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a news release stating that $17.1 million in grants are being awarded to 14 small shipyards as part of the Assistance to Small Shipyards program. (7/9/09).

MARAD – two more obsolete ships sold for recycling

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a news release stating that two obsolete ships have been sold from the National Defense Reserve Fleet for recycling. (7/9/09).

Inland Waterways Users Board – meeting

The Inland Waterways Users Board, sponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers, will meet in Paducah, Kentucky on August 11. 74 Fed. Reg. 33218 (July 10, 2009).

FMC – August meeting

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that its meetings previously scheduled for August 5 and August 26 have been combined into one meeting to be held in Washington, DC on August 19. (7/9/09).

Columbia River – barge aground

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is responding to a report that a barge has grounded on the Columbia River near the mouth of the Hood River in Oregon. There have been no reports of injury or pollution. A second news release states that a salvage plan has been approved calling for lightering of the gasoline from the grounded barge. (7/9/09).

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 – July 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution