Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 14 July 2009

Headlines: USCG – assistance re counter-piracy plan; DHS – Maritime Security Response Team; CBP – correcting amendments to “10 + 2” rule; Safety alert re EPIRB and PLB registration; Houston – PAWSA workshop; and Hawaii – removal of marine debris.

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USCG – assistance re counter-piracy plan

The US Coast Guard issued information intended to assist owners and operators of US-flag vessels that may transit waters at high risk of piracy or armed robbery against ships in preparation of the required annex to the vessel security plan to address that risk. While such an annex may not be required of non-US ships, it is still prudent to prepare in advance for any transit of high-risk waters. The information, thus, may be of value to all ships. (5/20/09).

DHS – Maritime Security Response Team

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a news release stating that Secretary Janet Napolitano visited a Coast Guard cutter in Portsmouth, Virginia and viewed a demonstration by a Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT). The MSRT is a Coast Guard counter-terrorism unit with advanced interdiction capabilities. (7/13/09).

CBP – “10 +2” rule – correcting amendements

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued correcting amendments to its interim final rule entitled “Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements” (commonly referred to as “10 + 2”). The amendments add a time frame for transmitting an Importer Security Filing for shipments to be transported in-bond for immediate exportation or for transportation and exportation. The amendments also correct two CBP responses to comments in the preamble to align them with the regulatory text. One correction involved when a carrier’s obligation to transmit container status messages ends and the other concerns when an Importer Security Filing must be updated. The amendments come into effect immediately. 74 Fed. Reg. 33920 (July 14, 2009).

USCG – safety alert re EPIRB and PLB registration

The US Coast Guard issued a safety alert reminding the marine community of the importance of ensuring that Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Beacon Registration website. Registration allows search and rescue personnel to know what they are looking for and to tailor the search effort accordingly, thus increasing the chances of success. Registration is free; it is also required by federal law. Alert 04-09 (7/13/09).

Houston – PAWSA workshop

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it will host a Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment (PAWSA) workshop in Houston on July 14 and 15. PAWSA is a focused risk analysis used to identify major waterway safety hazards, estimate risk levels, evaluate potential mitigation measures, and set the stage for implementation of selected measures to reduce that risk. (7/11/09).

Hawaii – removal of marine debris

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it partnered with representatives of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Army to remove approximately 32 tons of marine debris from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (7/12/09).

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