Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 20 November 2009

Headlines: DOT – mariners reminded of best practices to avoid pirate attacks; USN – guided missile cruiser leads counter-piracy task force; USCG – conditions of entry re Madagascar; Columbia River – temporary safety zones; MARAD – EIS re Bienville LNG DWP license application; USN – swimmer interdiction security system; House adopts cruise vessel security measure; House adopts measure banning harmful anti-fouling systems; IMO – Assembly meeting; New Zealand – guidance re prescribed medication and safety; Panama Canal – RFP for vehicular crossing study; and UAE – yacht regulations.

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DOT – mariners reminded of best practices to avoid pirate attacks

The Department of Transportation issued a press release forwarding a reminder to mariners from Secretary Ray LaHood of best practices following the recent piratical attacks on the Maersk Alabama and the Harriett. (11/19/09).

USN – guided missile cruiser leads counter-piracy task force

The US Navy issued a news release stating that the guided missile cruiser USS Chosin has assumed the role as flagship of the counter-piracy group Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia. A second news release reports that the Chosin rescued three Yemeni fisherman who were forced overboard when their fishing vessel was hijacked by pirates. (11/19/09).

USCG – conditions of entry re Madagascar

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that, effective December 4, it is imposing conditions of entry on vessels arriving to the United States from Madagascar, with the exception of vessels arriving from the port of Toamasina (also known as Tamatave) 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 Madagascar port; (2) ensure that each access point is guarded and that guards have total visibility of the exterior of the vessel while in a Madagascar port; (3) attempt to execute a Declaration of Security while in a Madagascar 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. 74 Fed. Reg. 60283 (November 20, 2009).

Columbia River – temporary safety zones

The US Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone on the Columbia River during blasting and dredging operations taking place near St. Helens, Oregon. A moving safety zone has also been established around the barge KRS 200-6 at any time that it has explosives onboard. These safety zones will be in effect through February 28, 2010. 74 Fed. Reg. 60157 (November 20, 2009).

MARAD – EIS re Bienville LNG DWP license application

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a notice stating that it and the US Coast Guard have prepared a draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the Bienville liquefied natural gas (LNG) deepwater port (DWP) license application. The applicant proposes to construct and operate an LNG DWP in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 63 miles south of Mobile Point, Alabama. A meeting to receive oral comments on the license application will be held in Mobile on December 9. Written comments should be submitted within 45 days. 74 Fed. Reg. 60310 (November 20, 2009).

USN – swimmer interdiction security system

The US Navy issued a notice stating that it has finalized its record of decision analyzing the operational and environmental aspects of construction and operation of a swimmer interdiction security system at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington. 74 Fed. Reg. 60244 (November 20, 2009).

House adopts cruise vessel security measure

The House of Representatives adopted the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 (H.R. 3360) to amend title 46, United States Code, to establish requirements to ensure the security and safety of passengers and crew on cruise vessels, and for other purposes. The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration. (11/17/09).

House adopts measure banning harmful anti-fouling systems

The House of Representatives adopted 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. The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration. (11/17/09).

IMO – Assembly meeting

The IMO issued a news release stating that the 26th session of the Assembly will take place in London on 23 November through 4 December. Topics on the agenda include: piracy off the coast of Somalia; guidelines for ships operating in polar waters; and guidelines for allocation of responsibilities for resolution of stowaway incidents. (11/19/09).

New Zealand – guidance re prescribed medication and safety

Maritime New Zealand issued guidance reminding mariners and ship owners/operators that taking prescribed medicines may have an impact on maritime safety. Mariners should discuss with their health care providers the possible side effects of prescription medicines. They should also bring this information to the attention of their employers. Guidance Notice 14-2009 (11/19/09).

Panama Canal – RFP for vehicular crossing study

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it released a request for proposals (RFP) for a study on vehicular crossing alternatives on the Canal’s Atlantic side. The crossing could be via a bridge or a tunnel. Interested contractors have 30 days within which to submit their proposals. (11/18/09).

UAE – yacht regulations

The IMO issued a Circular Letter stating that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Transport Authority has promulgated yacht regulations for yachts above 24 meters in length that are not engaged in commercial trade. The purpose of the regulations is to provide a safety standard equal to that of SOLAS for corresponding vessels engaged in trade. (11/10/09). Note: This development was brought to my attention by my friend Gernot Seebacher of Hermont Marine.

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