Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 23 December 2009

Headlines: DHS – VADM Papp to be nominated as next USCG Commandant; EPA – air emissions standards for large ships; TSA – replacement of malfunctioning TWIC cards; USCG – civil penalty inflation adjustments; USCG – notification of arrival – CDC residue; DOI – Atlantic OCS renewable energy office; NOAA – PORTS helping to power marine commerce; Frontex – cooperation agreement in maritime surveillance; New Zealand – Transport board members announced; Singapore – on-line applications for revalidating CoC; and UK – investigation of collision in English Channel.

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DHS – VADM Papp to be nominated as next USCG Commandant

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a news release stating that President Obama intends to nominate Vice Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. as Commandant, US Coast Guard. If confirmed by the Senate, he will be promoted to the rank of Admiral and relieve Admiral Thad Allen in May 2010. VADM Papp currently serves as Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. (12/22/09).

EPA – air emissions standards for large ships

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it has finalized a rule setting engine and fuel standards for large US-flag ships. The rule harmonizes with international standards. In an accompanying regulatory announcement, the EPA explains that the final rule will allow for continued production and sale of regular fuel oil to ships that use other approved methods to achieve sulfur dioxide emission reductions. Relief is also provided to many ships operating on the Great Lakes. (12/22/09). Note: The official text of the final rule will be published soon in the Federal Register, probably in early January.

TSA – replacement of malfunctioning TWIC cards

Representative Gene Green (D-TX) released a letter he sent to the Acting Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seeking development of a policy that will allow malfunctioning Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards to be replaced at no charge to the worker if there are no visible signs of damage. (12/9/09).

USCG – civil penalty inflation adjustments

The US Coast Guard issued a final rule adjusting fines and other civil monetary penalties to reflect the impact of inflation. Between 2003 (the last time monetary penalties were adjusted for inflation) and 2008, the consumer price index increased by 19.12%. Therefore, the fines and other civil monetary penalties assessed by the Coast Guard are being increased by an average of 19.12%, effective 30 days after December 23. 74 Fed. Reg. 68150 (December 23, 2009).

USCG – notification of arrival – CDC residue

The US Coast Guard proposes to amend the definition of certain dangerous cargo (CDC) residue for purposes of the notification of arrival requirement. Among other things, the amendment would include certain bulk liquids and liquefied gases in residue quantities. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by February 22, 2010. 74 Fed. Reg. 68208 (December 23, 2009).

DOI – Atlantic OCS renewable energy office

The Department of the Interior issued a news release stating that in 2010 the Minerals Management Service (MMS) will establish a new regional office to support renewable energy development on the outer continental shelf (OCS) off the Atlantic seaboard. (12/9/09).

NOAA – PORTS helping to power marine commerce

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a video by Under Secretary Jane Lubchenco explaining how the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) helps to power marine commerce. (12/22/09). Note: This development was brought to my attention by my friend Helen Brohl, Executive Director of the Committee on the Maritime Transportation System.

Frontex – cooperation agreement in maritime surveillance

The European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States (Frontex) issued a news release stating that it, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA) concluded an agreement to cooperate in the field of maritime surveillance. The agreement calls for exchange of information and data on matters of common interest; exploration of synergies in the use of maritime surveillance and information systems; exploration of possible joint use of assets; investigation of possible cooperation directed at the protection of external maritime borders and fisheries control; and coordination of inspections, research and development, training, etc. (12/22/09).

New Zealand – Transport board members announced

The New Zealand Government issued a press release stating that Rear Admiral David Ledson, RNZN (ret), has been appointed Chair of the Board of Maritime New Zealand. David Morgan has been reappointed as Deputy Chair. Kenneth Gilligan and Michael Ludbrook have been reappointed as Members. (12/22/09). This information was brought to my attention by my friend David Shirlaw of SeaWaves Magazine.

Singapore – on-line applications for revalidating CoC

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular advising of recent enhancements to process for on-line applications for revalidating Certificates of Competency (CoC) issued by the MPA to mariners. Shipping Circular No. 31 of 2009 (12/21/09)

UK – investigation of collision in English Channel

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued a news release stating that it has commenced an investigation into a collision in the English Channel. A fishing vessel sank after a collision with a merchant vessel. Three crewmembers have been rescued, but the fourth crewmember died. (12/22/09).

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 – December 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution