Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 7 July 2009

Headlines: USCG – IAPP certificates; Revised technical specifications for LRIT; IMO – LRIT survey and certification of ships; LRIT information requests by SAR services; LRIT Data Centre information; USCG – guidance on posting of MMC on board a vessel; USCG – MLD processing information; Uganda joins IMO; Preparations for fourth Panama Canal excavation project; UK report on entrapment in watertight door; UK report on grounding; Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization; MARAD – three more ships to be recycled; and WHO – A(H1N1) influenza unstoppable.

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USCG – IAPP certificates

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that its May 8 direct final rule amending the vessel inspection regulations to add the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate to the list of certificates a recognized classification society may be authorized to issue on behalf of the United States will come into effect on August 6. 74 Fed. Reg. 32088 (July 7, 2009).

IMO – revised technical specifications for LRIT

The IMO issued a revised version of the interim revised technical specifications for the long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system. Be advised that the document consists of 202 pages. MSC.1/Circ.1259/Rev.2 (6/30/09).

IMO – LRIT survey and certification of ships

The IMO issued a circular providing guidance on the survey and certification of ships with the requirement to transmit long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) information. The IMO has revoked MSC.1/Circ.1296, but, with limited exceptions, surveys and certifications conducted in accordance therewith prior to 1 July 2009 should be accepted. MSC.1/Circ.1307 (6/9/09).

IMO – LRIT information requests by SAR services

The IMO issued a circular providing guidance to search and rescue (SAR) services in relation to requesting and receiving long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) information. MSC.1/Circ.1308 (6/9/09).

IMO – LRIT Data Centre information

The IMO issued a circular identifying the information to be communicated to the Organization in relation to the establishment of Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) Data Centres and their position in relation to developmental testing and the completion of the LRIT system. MSC.1/Circ.1309 (6/9/09). The IMO also issued the LRIT Data Centre list showing the status of LRIT systems as communicated by Member States. (7/1/09).

USCG – guidance on posting of MMC on board a vessel

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a notice providing guidance on the posting of the new Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) on board a vessel. A US merchant marine officer is required to display his/her license in a conspicuous place on the vessel in which he/she is serving. For officers with the new MMC, this should be done by displaying the officer endorsement page of the MMC. The credentials should not be displayed while the vessel is visiting a foreign port. (7/6/09).

USCG – MLD processing information

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued its Quarterly Evaluation Report for the Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MLD) program. It also posted a notice regarding actions being taken to reduce mariner credential processing time. (6/29/09).

IMO – Uganda joins

The IMO issued a news release stating that Uganda has become the latest Member of the organization. There are now 169 Member States, with a further three Associate Members. (7/3/09).

Panama Canal – preparations for fourth excavation project

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it is preparing to solicit bids for the fourth and last dry excavation project. This project will link the new Pacific locks with the existing Gaillard Cut, the narrowest stretch of the Canal. (7/2/09).

UK – report on entrapment in watertight door

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation of the entrapment of a crewmember in a watertight door on board a ro-ro passenger ship approaching Ramsgate on 3 November 2008. The door’s rate of closure was almost three times faster than allowed on newer vessels. The doors were usually under local control and were routinely left open at sea, which potentially compromised watertight integrity. Because a government maritime inspector was on board, the doors had been set on remote control on this occasion, but there was no indication at the door to show the change. Report No. 17/2009 (7/7/09).

UK – report on grounding

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released the summary of its preliminary investigation into the grounding of a general cargo ship in River Tay in Scotland on 29 October 2008. Prior to passing over a submerged pipeline that crossed under the river, the ship’s pilot contacted port control, which advised of the gauge reading. Passing was timed for high water and speed was reduced to minimize squat. Nevertheless, the ship grounded as it passed over the pipeline. The port operator has increased the minimum under keel clearance and has recalibrated the tide gauge. (7/6/09).

NOAA & NSF – Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a joint notice stating that they are soliciting proposals for the Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization (CAMEO). The program is intended to support fundamental research to understand complex dynamics controlling ecosystem structure, productivity, behavior, resilience, and population connectivity, as well as effects of climate variability and anthropogenic pressures on living marine resources and critical habitats. Proposals must be received on or before 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on October 5. 74 Fed. Reg. 32112 (July 7, 2009).

MARAD – three more ships to be recycled

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a news release stating that contracts have been signed for the recycling of three more obsolete ships from the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF). (7/3/09).

WHO – Influenza A(H1N1) is unstoppable

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan delivered a speech at an international conference in Cancun, Mexico in which she said that influenza A(H1N1), frequently referred to as swine flu, has spread to more than 100 countries and is now unstoppable. Fortunately, the current version of the influenza is relatively mild. This condition, though, is subject to change and health officials must remain alert. Meanwhile, efforts to restrict travel and trade serve no useful purpose. (7/2/09).

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