Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 18 February 2010

Headlines: DOT – TIGER grants; FMC – passenger vessel financial responsibility hearing; California – new Rescue 21 facilities accepted; NOAA – US delegation to International Whaling Commission; and NOAA – new hurricane wind scale.

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91^st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA

Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com – Internet: http://brymar-consulting.com

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DOT – TIGER grants

The Department of Transportation (DOT) released the list of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants. The grants, totaling $1.5 billion, are focused on rail and road projects, but include a number of infrastructure improvements in US ports. (2/17/10).

FMC – passenger vessel financial responsibility hearing

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice regarding the March 3 public hearing on passenger vessel financial responsibility. Requests to participate in the hearing must be submitted by February 19. Participants must submit fifteen (15) copies of their prepared hearing statement by February 26. (2/16/10).

California – new Rescue 21 facilities accepted

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the new Rescue 21 advanced communication system at Group Humboldt Bay has been accepted and introduced into service. Among other things, it features improved radio direction finding and multiple communications channels. (2/16/10).

NOAA – US delegation to International Whaling Commission

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking nominees for the US Delegation to the March 2010 Small Working Group and intersessional meetings of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Nominations must be received by February 24. 75 Fed. Reg. 7254 (February 18, 2010).

NOAA – new hurricane wind scale

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that the National Weather Service will use a new hurricane scale this season called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It keeps the same wind speed ranges as the original Saffir-Simpson Scale, but no longer ties each of the five hurricane categories to specific surge and flooding effects. (2/17/10).

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 – February 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution