Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 2 October 2009

Headlines: EU – counter-piracy cooperation meeting; EC – EGNOS Open Service launched; APHIS – delay in increase in agricultural user fees; Plymouth, Massachusetts – amendment of safety and security zones; Puget Sound – nearshore marine habitat restoration project; Australia – collision risks to off-shore yachts; and Panama Canal – extension of reduction in transit costs.

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EU – counter-piracy cooperation meeting

The European Union Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release reporting that the eighth meeting of the SHADE Group, held in Bahrain on 20 September, had the largest international participation to date, with representatives from 26 nations, three coalitions, and various industry groups. The meeting achieved broad consensus on a set of terms of reference, agreed to explore opportunities to coordinate logistics and resources, and commissioned further work on improving communications with merchant shipping and campaign effectiveness. (10/1/09).

EC – EGNOS Open Service launched

The European Commission (EC) issued a press release stating that it declared the official start of operations by the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), with its Open Service available for use by the public. The service supports precise navigation systems. (10/1/09).

APHIS – delay in increase in agricultural user fees

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a notice stating that it is delaying until November 1 its previously announced increase in user fees for agricultural quarantine and inspection services. 74 Fed. Reg. 50915 (October 2, 2009).

Plymouth, Massachusetts – amendment of safety and security zones

The US Coast Guard issued a direct final rule making minor amendments to its current safety and security zones on waters adjacent to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant at Plymouth, Massachusetts. The changes will come into effect on December 31, unless adverse comments are received by December 1. 74 Fed. Reg. 50922 (October 2, 2009).

Puget Sound – nearshore marine habitat restoration project

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a notice stating that it will prepare a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) evaluating the proposed nearshore marine habitat restoration project. Scoping meetings will be held in the following locations in Washington: Des Moines (October 26); Port Townsend (October 28): Lacey (November 3); and Mount Vernon (November 10). Written comments must be submitted by December 10. 74 Fed. Reg. 50958 (October 2, 2009).

Australia – collision risks to off-shore yachts

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice reminding mariners of the risks of collisions between off-shore yachts and commercial trading vessels when yachts voyage in the vicinity of commercial shipping lanes. Such yachts should not presume that they can be seen by an approaching vessel. They should fit a radar reflector, an anti-collision radar transponder or radar target enhancer, and an AIS unit. Marine Notice 14/2009 (10/1/09).

Panama Canal – extension of reduction in transit costs

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory stating that it is extending, through April 30, 2010, its package of temporary measures designed to reduce transit costs to assist in mitigating the current world economic situation. Advisory 17-2009 (9/30/09).

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 – October 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution