Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 20 July 2009

Headlines: Somalia – pirates release another ship; MMS – applications for renewable energy leases on the OCS; NOAA – taking of marine mammals incidental to Anchorage Terminal Project; DOJ – chief and second engineer plead guilty; FBI – man arrested for murder on cruise ship; IMO – summary of GHG developments at MEPC session; IMO – measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats; IMO – guidance re MSDS; IMO – guidance re infant lifejackets; IMO – submission of security-related information prior to port entry; and IMO – MSI manual.

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Somalia – pirates release another ship

The European Union Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that the bulk carrier MS Victoria has been released by Somalian pirates. It was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on May 5. All crew members are reported to be well. The NTO Shipping Centre issued a report stating that the pirates claim to have received a ransom of $1.8 million. (7/18/09).

MMS – applications for renewable energy leases on the OCS

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) issued a notice providing office addresses for filing applications for renewable energy leases and grants on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). 74 Fed. Reg. 35204 (July 20, 2009).

NOAA – taking of marine mammals incidental to Anchorage Terminal Project

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) promulgated a rule authorizing the unintentional taking of marine mammals by harassment incidental to Phase II of the Port of Anchorage Marine Terminal Redevelopment Project. 74 Fed. Reg. 35136 (July 20, 2009).

DOJ – chief and second engineer plead guilty

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the chief engineer and second engineer of a dry bulk carrier pleaded guilty in federal court to using falsified records to conceal improper discharges of untreated bilge waste. The individuals are scheduled for sentencing on September 8 and each faces up to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. (7/16/09).

FBI – man arrested for murder on cruise ship

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a press release stating that agents in San Diego arrested a man on a charge of murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. He is alleged to have killed his wife while on a cruise ship returning to San Diego from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. (7/16/09). Note: The special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States includes, among other things: “To the extent permitted by international law, any foreign vessel during a voyage having a scheduled departure from or arrival in the United States with respect to an offense committed by or against a national of the United States.”

IMO – summary of GHG developments at MEPC session

The IMO issued a news release summarizing greenhouse gas (GHG) developments at the recently-concluded session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The MEPC agreed to circulate a package of interim and voluntary technical and operational measures to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping, as well as a work plan for its further consideration of market-based instruments to provide incentives for the shipping industry. (7/17/09).

IMO – measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats

The IMO issued a circular providing updated guidance on measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats. MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 (6/11/09).

IMO – guidance re MSDS

The IMO issued a circular providing guidance on the provision for material safety data sheets (MSDSs) when carrying oil or oil fuel, in accordance with SOLAS regulation VI/5-1. MSC.1/Circ.1303 (6/10/09).

IMO – guidance re infant life jackets

The IMO issued a circular providing guidance on carriage of infant life jackets on passenger ships. MSC.1/Circ.1304 (6/10/09).

IMO – submission of security-related information prior to port entry

The IMO issued a circular providing revised guidance to masters, companies, and duly authorized officers on the requirements relating to the submission of security-related information prior to the entry of a ship into port. One of the goals of this document is to standardize the various national requirements for such information. MSC.1/Circ.1305 (6/9/09).

IMO – MSI manual

The IMO issued a 75-page circular forwarding the revised joint IMO/IHO/WHO manual on Maritime Safety Information (MSI). MSC.1/Circ.1310 (6/8/09).

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