Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 3 November 2009

Headlines: Singapore – updated best management practices to deter piracy; Australia – updated advice re prevention of piracy; Malta – redelivery of the M/V Arctic Sea; Straits of Malacca & Singapore – room for capacity growth; Singapore – electronic port clearance (EPC) scheme; Panama Canal – extension re mandatory BAPLIE EDI file method; Panama Canal – FY 2009 metrics; FMC – termination of passenger vessel financial responsibility rulemaking; FMC – remarks of Commissioner Rebecca Dye; FMC meeting; USCG – Navigation Rules – updated and corrected; USCG – Mariner Credentialing Program customer survey; Columbia River – safety zone; NTSB – report on sinking of fish processing vessel Alaska Ranger; UK – Port Marine Safety Code updated; English Channel – major maritime exercise; and Canada – enhancing recreational boating safety.

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Singapore – updated best management practices to deter piracy

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular regarding piracy in the Gulf of Aden and in the Indian Ocean near the coast of Somalia. The circular links to the updated best management practices to deter piracy. Shipping Circular No. 30 of 2009 (10/26/09).

Australia – updated advice re prevention of piracy

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice providing updated advice on the prevention and suppression of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships. Marine Notice 15/2009 (10/30/09).

Malta – redelivery of M/V Arctic Sea

The Malta Maritime Authority issued a press release stating that an agreement has been reached with the owners of the M/V Arctic Sea for its redelivery outside Malta territorial waters. The vessel will be allowed to enter Malta for repairs, survey, and certification after it has been inspected by Maltese authorities. (10/27/09). A second press release states that the Arctic Sea was released to its owners after all necessary inspections and formalities were concluded. (10/29/09).

Straits of Malacca & Singapore – room for capacity growth

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release stating that the preliminary finding from the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SoMS) capacity study showed that there is still substantial room for vessel traffic growth in the Straits without affecting either efficiency or navigational safety. (10/28/09).

Singapore – electronic port clearance (EPC) scheme

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular stating that Singapore registered ships are no longer required to submit any new or revalidated statutory certificates to the MPA after the ship’s departure from the Port of Singapore. Agents of Singapore registered vessels will however be required to check and ensure that the required statutory certificates are valid and to submit a declaration to this effect. Upon submission of the declaration, the agent will be able to print the Port Clearance Certificate. Port Marine Circular No. 15 of 2009 (10/29/09).

Panama Canal – extension re mandatory BAPLIE EDI file method

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory stating that it has extended until January 15, 2010, the requirement that containerized cargo information for full container vessels be submitted via the BAPLIE EDI file method. Advisory 22-2009 (10/30/09).

Panama Canal – FY 2009 metrics

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that total Canal transits during fiscal year 2009 decreased 2.4% (from 14,702 transits in 2008 to 14,342 transits in 2009). General cargo, dry bulk, and tanker traffic increased, while container traffic decreased. (10/30/09).

FMC – termination of passenger vessel financial responsibility rulemaking

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has officially terminated its rulemaking regarding passenger vessel financial responsibility. 74 Fed. Reg. 56756 (November 3, 2009).

FMC – remarks of Commissioner Rebecca Dye

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) posted the remarks of Commissioner Rebecca Dye delivered at the dinner of the National Association of Waterfront Employers. She discussed, among other things, the agency’s review of marine terminal agreements, antitrust immunity for the liner trade, and regulatory relief. (10/20/09).

FMC – meeting

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that its meeting previously scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, will be held on Thursday, November 19. (11/2/09).

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). The publication is a compendium of: the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), the Inland Navigation Rules, their respective technical annexes, a listing of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines, the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations, and various other legal provisions regarding compliance and penalties associated with the Navigation Rules. The original version was published on March 25, 1999, by the US Coast Guard Navigation Standards Branch at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC 20593-7856. This updated version has corrected typographical errors and omissions and includes post-publication 2003 amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). (10/19/09).

USCG – Mariner Credentialing Program customer survey

The US Coast Guard is conducting a Mariner Credentialing Program customer survey to garner feedback from its customers and stakeholders. The feedback will be used to improve service to US merchant mariners and the maritime industry. (10/27/09).

Columbia River – safety zone

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it established a safety zone on the Columbia River near St. Helens, Oregon. The measure is intended to enhance marine safety during a US Army Corps of Engineers channel improvement project, which is scheduled to continue through February 28, 2010. The channel in the safety zone is narrowed to one lane and no passing or overtaking will be allowed. (11/2/09).

NTSB – report on sinking of fish processing vessel Alaska Ranger

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued the report of its investigation of the sinking of the fish processing vessel Alaska Ranger in the Bering Sea on March 23, 2008. MAR-09/05 (11/2/09).

UK – Port Marine Safety Code updated

The UK Department for Transport issued a news release stating that it launched an updated Port Marine Safety Code. The Code aims to improve the safety of marine operations and to establish clear national standards of compliance for all port authorities. The Guide to Good Practice supplements the Code with more detailed information. (10/29/09).

English Channel – major maritime exercise

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that a major maritime exercise will be conducted in the Channel on Tuesday, November 3. The exercise, involving the UK Coastguard, the French Coastguard, and other emergency services, will simulate a fire and evacuation from a cross-channel passenger ferry. (10/29/09).

Canada – enhancing recreational boating safety

Transport Canada issued a media release stating that it is proposing amendments to its Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations in order to enhance recreational boating safety. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 9. (10/27/09).

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 – November 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution