Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 7 August 2009

Headlines: USCG – new medical evaluation form being developed; USCG – Credential Application Form remains valid; Tonga – ferry sinks, 33 persons missing; Tokyo MOU – lifeboat launching arrangements CIC; IMSO – LRIT Services Agreement with Ecuador; and San Clemente Island – safety zone proposed.

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USCG – new medical evaluation form being developed

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a notice stating that a new version of the CG-719 K (Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report) and the CG-719 K/E (Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings) is under development and will be available for familiarization purposes on or before September 1, 2009. The new forms will be available for use on October 1, 2009. Physical exams completed on or after January 1, 2010 must be on the new form. (7/23/09).

USCG – Credential Application Form remains valid

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a notice stating that the Credential Application Form 719B Rev (3/04) is undergoing revisions in order to assist US merchant mariners in providing complete applications by simplifying the application process and aligning the form with the new Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) regulations. The old version of the application form may be utilized until replaced by the new version. (8/5/09).

Tonga – ferry sinks, 64 persons missing

Maritime New Zealand issued a media release stating that 52 survivors have been recovered following the sinking of the inter-island ferry Princess Ashika near Nuku’alofa, Tonga. There were reportedly 79 people on board, leaving 27 unaccounted for. A Royal New Zealand Airforce Orion is participating in the search. A second Orion is scheduled to relieve the first one later today. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is coordinating the search. Three vessels are on scene, with another merchant vessel diverted and due to arrive later today. A second media release states that a total of 53 survivors and one body have been recovered. The number of persons originally on board has been revised to 86. Four vessels are actively searching the area, with a fifth vessel en route. A third media release states that another body has been recovered. Additionally, the number of persons on board the ferry has been raised to 119, meaning that 64 individuals are still missing. (8/7/09).

Tokyo MOU – lifeboat launching arrangements CIC

The Tokyo MOU issued the Questionnaire that it will utilize during its concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on lifeboat launching arrangements. This CIC extends from September 1 through November 30. (8/3/09).

IMSO – LRIT Services Agreement with Ecuador

The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) issued a news release stating that it signed the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) Services Agreement with Ecuador. The Services Agreement provides for the audit and review of the National LRIT Data Centre established by Ecuador on 30 June. (7/23/09).

San Clemente Island – safety zone proposed

The US Coast Guard proposes to establish a safety zone around San Clemente Island off the southern California coast in support of potentially hazardous military training and testing exercises. The existing zones do not sufficiently overlap potential danger zones and testing areas used by the Navy during live-fire and ocean research operations resulting in a delay or cancellation of these operations. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 5. 74 Fed. Reg. 39584 (August 7, 2009).

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 – August 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution