Headlines: DOS – preparation of fifth US Climate Action Report; ReCAAP – report on piracy and armed robbery in Asian waters; IMO – inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals; IMO – HSC uniform operating limitations; IMO – means of embarkation and disembarkation; Bill introduced re security and safety on cruise ships; DHS OIG – review of USCG mission performance – revised; EPA – funding to reduce truck emissions at Port of Oakland; California – ocean-going vessels emission measurement; California – oil spill response drills and exercises; and New Zealand – maritime qualifications and operational limits.
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DOS – preparation of fifth US Climate Action Report
The Department of State (DOS) issued a notice stating that it is soliciting contributions and input for the fifth US Climate Action Report (CAR5) to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CAR5 is to include: (1) an inventory of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removal by sinks of all greenhouse gases (GHG) not controlled by the Montreal Protocol; (2) a detailed description of the policies and measures adopted to implement national commitments under the UNFCCC; and (3) estimates of the effects those policies and measures will have on emissions and sinks. Contributions and input should be submitted within 30 days. 74 Fed. Reg. 38078 (July 30, 2009).
ReCAAP – report on piracy and armed robbery in Asian waters
The ReCAAP ISC issued its Half Yearly Report on piracy and armed robbery against ships in waters of the Asian region. During the period January through June 2009, reports were received concerning 38 successful incidents and five attempted incidents of piracy or armed robbery. While this represents a decline in the total number of incidents in the six-month period compared to recent years, the number of successful incidents has risen. Frequent targets of attacks are tugboats, particularly those engaged in active towing. This seems to be due to their slow speed, low freeboard, and small crew size. (7/29/09).
IMO – inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals
The IMO issued a circular forwarding guidelines for the approval of inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals not exceeding 30 months. MSC.1/Circ.1328 (6/11/09).
IMO – HSC uniform operating limitations
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The IMO issued a circular forwarding guidelines for uniform operating limitations of high-speed craft (HSC). MSC.1/Circ.1329 (6/11/09).
IMO – means of embarkation and disembarkation
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The IMO issued a circular forwarding guidelines for construction, installation, maintenance, and inspection/survey of means of embarkation and disembarkation. MSC.1/Circ.1331 (6/11/09).
Bill introduced re security and safety on cruise vessels
Representative Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 (H.R. 3360) to amend title 46, United States Code, to establish requirements to ensure the security and safety of passengers and crew on cruise vessels, and for other purposes. (7/28/09).
DHS OIG – review of USCG mission performance – revised
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a revised version of its Annual Review of the US Coast Guard Mission Performance. Unfortunately, the document does not identify the specific changes made from the original version of the Annual Review. (7/29/09).
EPA – funding to reduce truck emissions at Port of Oakland
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it provided a $2 million grant to supplement the $20 million in state and local funds to install diesel exhaust filters and replace old trucks to reduce particulate emissions at the Port of Oakland. (7/28/09).
California – ocean-going vessels emission measurement
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) established a new page on its website for Ocean-Going Vessels Emission Measurement Reports and Publications. These documents are relied upon in the CARB policy development and rulemaking process. (7/13/09).
California – oil spill response drills and exercises
The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) issued a notice stating that it will host an informational workshop in Sacramento on August 5 to discuss draft amendments to the Drills and Exercises section of the Contingency Plan regulations. It also issued a summary of the proposed amendments and a draft of the proposed regulations. (7/6/09).
New Zealand – maritime qualifications and operational limits
Maritime New Zealand issued a notice stating that it is seeking input from the marine community as part of its review of the maritime qualifications and operational limits. (7/29/09).
The “Black Tom Island” incident – July 30, 1916
The “Black Tom Island” incident occurred on Sunday, July 30, 1916. German saboteurs ignited a fire at the munitions-loading facility in Jersey City, across from Manhattan. The ensuing explosions destroyed the waterfront facility and largely obliterated the island, killing four persons and causing over $40 million in property damage. It was the first terrorist attack in US history and was the genesis of the Coast Guard’s port security program. The linked article provides further details.
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 – July 2009
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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Posts
Dennis,
ReplyDeleteI disagree with your characterization of the Black Tom Island explosion as a "terrorist attack." It was a covert action sanctioned by a legitimate government. By this standard, are the covert ops behind the lines by our spec ops guys acts of terrorism? If you distinguish those on the basis that the Germans were not at war with the US, and you are not inclined to grant them a right of preemptive self-defense, what of the covert actions of the CIA. If terrorism, as ill-defined as it is, includes some component of trying to change government policies, what then of a government's actions to accomplish actual regime change elsewhere?
If the Black Tom Island explosion does qualify as a terrorist attack, then it can hardly be "the first . . . in US history." Consider various activities by both sides, as well as by "independent" actors, in the run up to or during the Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, and various disputes with Native Americans.
Other than that quibble, however, thanks for a most interesting and informative piece.
Regards,
John B