Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 24 September 2009

Headlines: UNCITRAL – 15 nations sign Rotterdam Rules; DHS – additional port security grants awarded; EPA – update on air emissions program for marine diesel engines; Bill introduced to implement Anti-Fouling Convention; Bill introduced to authorize appropriations for USCG; Kiribati & US – marine protected areas partnership agreement; DHS – QHSR – third National Dialogue set to commence; and Hong Kong – marine events.

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UNCITRAL – 15 nations sign Rotterdam Rules

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Laws (UNCITRAL) issued a press release stating that, at a ceremony in Rotterdam on September 23, fifteen nations signed the new UN Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (otherwise known as the Rotterdam Rules). The Rules will come into effect one year after being ratified by at least 20 nations. They are intended to update and replace the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules. (9/23/09).

DHS – additional port security grants awarded

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a news release stating that additional preparedness grants are being awarded, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Among these are $150 million in port security grants. (9/23/09).

EPA – update on air emissions program for marine diesel engines

At a recent meeting of the Philadelphia section of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented an update of its program to control air emissions from marine diesel engines. The program was compared to similar ones for vehicles and other land-based sources. Inclusion of the MARPOL Annex VI provisions was also highlighted. (9/16/09).

Bill introduced to implement Anti-Fouling Convention

Representative Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the Clean Hull Act of 2009 (H.R. 3618) to provide for implementation of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001, and for other purposes. In addition to implementing the Anti-Fouling Convention for the United States, this bill, if adopted, would apply the organotin prohibition to all documented vessels of the United States. (9/22/09).

Bill introduced to authorize appropriations for USCG

Representative Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 3619) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes. (9/22/09). Note: This 283-page bill covers a lot of ground, including modernization of the Coast Guard, with heavy emphasis on the marine safety program.

Kiribati & US – marine protected areas partnership agreement

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that the Republic of Kiribati and the United States signed an agreement to establish a “sister site” relationship between the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in Kiribati and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Hawaiian Islands. These are the two largest marine protected areas in the world. (9/23/09).

DHS – QHSR – third National Dialogue set to commence

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is about to commence the third National Dialogue as part of the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). This third and final dialogue will run from September 28 through October 4. During the first two dialogues, participants helped rate and rank the goals and objectives that will guide homeland security policy for the near future. This third dialogue will focus on a few key remaining issues and provide participants an opportunity to respond to questions and proposals posed by DHS. (9/23/09).

Hong Kong – maritime events

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued notices of three upcoming marine events. A sea parade will take place in waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between 1515 and 1545 hours on Sunday, September 27. A sea parade will take place from Causeway Bay to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between 0745 and 0805 hours on Thursday, October 1 in recognition of National Day. A fireworks display will take place in the Central Harbor in the area off Wan Chai at about 2000 hours on Thursday, October 1, in recognition of National Day. (9/23/09).

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