Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 2 September 2009

Headlines: DOS – US actions to deter piracy off the Horn of Africa; USCG – conditions of entry for vessels arriving from the Congo; New Zealand – review of passenger ship levy; OGMSA – GMISS and counter-piracy conferences combining; Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal – temporary safety zone and RNA; HSRP meeting; Florida – critical habitat for smalltooth sawfish; Vancouver, BC – shore power for cruise ships; Panama Canal – expansion site visit and pre-tender meeting; DHS – National Dialogue – phase 2; and Miami – DGPS site closing.

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DOS – US actions to deter piracy off the Horn of Africa

The Department of State (DOS) issued a Fact Sheet summarizing US actions to counter piracy off the Horn of Africa. The document explains federal coordination efforts and coordination with other stakeholders. It discusses naval efforts and capacity-building. Note: There is one possibly confusing statement. It mentions that the United States has reiterated its firm, long-standing policy of not making concessions or paying any ransoms for the return of American hostages. This government policy does not control the actions of US citizens or the owners of US ships. (9/1/09). This document was brought to my attention by my friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

USCG – conditions of entry for vessels arriving from the Congo

The US Coast Guard issued an advisory stating that, effective September 15, it will impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving to the United States from the Republic of the Congo, with the exception of vessels arriving from the Djeno Oil Terminal, a single buoy mooring off-shore, during their last five port calls. In summary, each affected vessel must: (1) implement the Security Level 2 measures from its ship security plan while in a Congolese port; (2) ensure that each access point is guarded and that guards have total visibility of the exterior of the vessel while in a Congolese port; (3) attempt to execute a Declaration of Security while in a Congolese port; (4) log all security actions; and (5) report actions taken to the pertinent USCG Captain of the Port [COTP] prior to arrival in the US. Port Security Advisory (7-09) (September 1, 2009).

New Zealand – review of passenger ship levy

The Regulations Review Committee of the Parliament of New Zealand issued an Interim Report on a complaint regarding the recent Marine Safety Charges Amendment Regulations 2008. The complaint related to introduction of a passenger-based levy to be paid for by the operators of some New Zealand passenger ships, primarily the Cook Strait ferries. The Committee found that the preparation and assessment of the levy was flawed, albeit not fatally. It recommends that the Maritime Transport Act 1994 be amended to clarify the statutory consultation process and that, in future, the Ministry of Transport and Maritime New Zealand follow a consistent, analytical, robust process, and maintain good records of its regulatory actions. (8/31/09).

OGMSA – GMISS and counter-piracy conferences combined

The US Office of Global Maritime Situational Awareness (OGMSA) issued an announcement stating that its Global Maritime Information Sharing Symposium (GMISS) – scheduled for September 15-17 in Washington, DC – is combining with the Marine Log’s Countering Pirates Conference – scheduled for September 16 in Washington, DC. Therefore, registration for the GMISS conference has been extended through September 14. (9/1/09).

Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal – temporary safety zone and RNA

The US Coast Guard has established, through September 9, a temporary safety zone and regulated navigation area (RNA) on waters of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Romeoville, Illinois adjacent to and over the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) electrical dispersal fish barrier system. 74 Fed. Reg. 45318 (September 2, 2009).

HSRP – meeting

The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP), sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will meet in Duluth on September 23-24. Topics on the agenda include proposed revisions to the NOAA policy for mapping and charting services. 74 Fed. Reg. 45423 (September 2, 2009).

Florida – critical habitat for smalltooth sawfish

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated critical habitat for the US distinct population segment of smalltooth sawfish, which are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The critical habitat consists of two units: the Charlotte Harbor Estuary Unit and the Ten Thousand Islands/Everglades Unit, both located along the southwestern coast of Florida between Charlotte Harbor and Florida Bay. The designation comes into effect on October 2. 74 Fed. Reg. 45353 (September 2, 2009).

Vancouver, BC – shore power for cruise ships

Transport Canada issued a media release stating that, through the cooperation of the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, Port Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, and the cruise lines, shore power has been installed for cruise ships docking in Vancouver. (8/31/09).

Panama Canal – expansion site visit and pre-tender meeting

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it hosted a two-day expansion site visit and pre-tender meeting for entities interested in the fourth dry excavation expansion contract. (8/26/09).

DHS – National Dialogue – phase 2

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has commenced Phase 2 of the National Dialogue for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). Interested parties are asked to prioritize homeland security mission objectives, advise on what must be done to achieve those objectives, and discuss the ideas of others. (9/1/09).

Miami – DGPS site closing

The US Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) issued a notice stating that the differential GPS (DGPS) site in Miami is being decommissioned and taken permanently off-line on September 8. (9/1/09).

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 – September 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution