Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 2 November 2009

Headlines: Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting; USCG – proposal re Great Lakes Pilotage rates; FWS – proposed critical habitat for the polar bear; White House – national emergency re 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic; USCG – Navigation Rules – updated and corrected; USCG – new Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation forms; Gulf of Mexico – hole in hull causes oil spill; and San Diego – search for downed air crews suspended.

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Shipping Coordinating Committee – meeting

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on November 13. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Session of the IMO Assembly and the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council. 74 Fed. Reg. 56684 (November 2, 2009).

USCG – proposal re Great Lakes Pilotage rates

The US Coast Guard proposes to increase the rates for Great Lakes Pilotage by 5.07% to generate sufficient revenue to cover allowable expenses, target pilot compensation, and return on investment. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 30. 74 Fed. Reg. 56153 (October 30, 2009).

FWS – proposed critical habitat for the polar bear

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposes to designate critical habitat for the polar bear. The proposed critical habitat is located in northern Alaska and adjacent territorial and US waters in the northern Bering Sea and portions of the Chukchi Sea, the Beaufort Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by December 28. 74 Fed. Reg. 56057 (October 29, 2009).

White House – national emergency re 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic

President Obama has declared a national emergency with regard to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. The primary purpose of the proclamation is to enable health care facilities to implement emergency operations plans. 74 Fed. Reg. 55439 (October 28, 2009).

USCG – Navigation Rules – updated and corrected

The US Coast Guard issued an updated and corrected version of the International and Inland Navigation Rules (COMDTINST M16672.2D). (10/19/09).

USCG – new Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation forms

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it has released revised versions of the Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report form (CG-719 K, Revision 01-09) and the Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness for Entry Level Ratings form (CG-719 K/E, Revision 01-09). Additionally, the Coast Guard has released an Instruction Guide to assist with completion and submittal of the forms. (10/30/09).

Gulf of Mexico – hole in hull causes oil spill

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the discharge of approximately 12,000 gallons of bunker fuel from a freighter anchored in the Gulf of Mexico near Southwest Pass was caused by a 5 cm hole in the hull approximately 5 feet below the waterline. The cause of the hole is unknown. Response efforts are underway. The incident is under investigation. (10/31/09).

San Diego – search for downed air crews suspended

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the search for survivors of a downed Coast Guard C-130 aircraft and Marine Corps AH-1 helicopter 15 miles east of San Clemente Island has been suspended. The two aircraft, with a total of nine persons on board, collided at about 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Salvage efforts are underway. The casualty is under investigation. At the time of the collision, the Coast Guard aircraft was searching for a missing boater. (11/1/09). Our thoughts are with the air crews and their loved ones.

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 – November 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution