Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 26 May 2010

Headlines: Admiral Papp relieves Admiral Allen as Commandant; DHS – USCG change of command; DOD – SECDEF praises outgoing USCG Commandant; USCG – LNG and LHG waterfront facility general requirements; FMC – reorganization and delegations of authority; USCG – Marine Safety Performance Plan Update; San Diego – DIY foghorn; USCG-MMS – Joint Investigation witness list; Senate – hearing on liability and financial responsibility re offshore oil production; Somalia – blockade of pirate stronghold; Tanzania – pirate attacks thwarted; ReCAAP – Report for April 2010; and Singapore – update on collision and cleanup.

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USCG – Admiral Papp relieves Admiral Allen as Commandant

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that Admiral Robert Papp relieved Admiral Thad Allen as Commandant, US Coast Guard, at a ceremony in Washington, DC on May 25. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano presided over the ceremony and presented Admiral Allen with the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal. Admiral Allen will continue to serve as the National Incident Commander for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response. (5/25/10).

DHS – USCG change of command

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted the speech delivered by Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant, US Coast Guard, upon his relief by Admiral Robert Papp. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano presided at the ceremony in Washington, DC. (5/25/10).

DOD – SECDEF praises outgoing USCG Commandant

The Department of Defense (DOD) issued a news release stating that, at the US Coast Guard Commandant change of command ceremony in Washington, DC, Defense Secretary Robert Gates praised outgoing Admiral Thad Allen and presented him with the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal. He looks forward to a similar relationship with the incoming Commandant, Admiral Robert Papp, USCG. (5/25/10).

USCG – LNG and LHG waterfront facility general requirements

The US Coast Guard is revising the requirements for waterfront facilities handling liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied hazardous gas (LHG). The changes bring the regulations up to date with industry practices and Coast Guard policy implemented to account for an increased emphasis on security. They also harmonize USCG regulations for LNG with those established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The changes come into effect on June 25. 75 Fed. Reg. 29420 (May 26, 2010).

FMC – reorganization and delegations of authority

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has amended its regulations relating to agency organization to reflect the reorganization of the agency that took effect January 31, 2010 and to delegate authority to certain FMC bureaus and offices. The changes come into effect immediately. 75 Fed. Reg. 29451 (May 26, 2010).

USCG – Marine Safety Performance Plan Update

The US Coast Guard released the 2010 update of its Marine Safety Performance Plan. The update notes that 310 Marine Safety billets were added in 2009 and an additional 68 positions are authorized for 2010. Five more National Centers of Expertise were added in 2009 to improve professional development and exchange between industry and the Coast Guard. The quality management system is being expanded. (March 2010).

San Diego – DIY foghorn

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it installed a new foghorn in Mission Bay near San Diego with a do-it-yourself (DIY) foghorn. The foghorn will be activated by mariners who seek its navigational guidance. The mariner tunes the vessel’s VHF radio transceiver to channel 79A and depresses the microphone key five times to activate the foghorn. (5/25/10).

USCG-MMS – Joint Investigation witness list

The US Coast Guard and Minerals Management Service (MMS) posted the witness list for the next session of the Joint Investigation of the MODU Deepwater Horizon casualty. The session will be held in Kenner, Louisiana on May 26. (5/25/10).

Senate – hearing on liability and financial responsibility re offshore oil production

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources conducted a hearing to receive testimony on the liability and financial responsibility issues related to offshore oil production. The committee also considered the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments act of 2010 (S. 3346) to increase the limits on liability under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) testified. Mr. Thomas Perrelli, Department of Justice, testified concerning liability and compensation under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Mr. David Hayes, Department of the Interior, testified concerning the Department’s outer continental shelf oil and gas development enforcement program. Mr. Craig Bennett, USCG National Pollution Funds Center, testified concerning operation of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF). Mr. Jonathan Ramseur, Congressional Research Service, testified concerning the policy of the liability and compensation provisions of OPA 90. Mr. Rawle King, Congressional Research Service, testified concerning availability of insurance for oil spill liability for offshore facilities. Mr. Robert Meltz, Congressional Research Service, testified concerning issues relating to retroactive provisions in oil spill liability bills that have been introduced in Congress. (5/25/10).

Somalia – blockade of pirate stronghold

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the amphibious warship HNLMS Johan de Witt has undertaken a close blockade off the Somali coast, using its landing craft to keep pirates from getting to sea. (5/25/10).

Tanzania – pirate attacks thwarted

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that a tanker off the coast of Tanzania came under attack by a pirate skiff. Utilizing best management practices, the tanker evaded the attack, but it alerted the NAVFOR, which dispatched a warship. The tanker soon came under attack by two pirate skiffs. The warship launched its helicopter. When the helicopter fired warning shots, the skiffs fled into Tanzanian territorial waters. The Tanzanian Coast Guard was alerted to continue to the pursuit. (5/25/10).

ReCAAP – Report for April 2010

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued its Report for April 2010. During the month, a total of 16 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia. Compared to April 2009, the number of reported incidents has doubled. There has been a troubling increase in the number of incidents which exhibited some degree of planning, leading to the possibility of syndicates operating in the area of the South China Sea. (5/25/10).

</FONT size="4">Singapore – update on collision and cleanup

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release stating that authorities from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are working together to clean up the oil spilled following the collision between a tanker and a bulk carrier in the Singapore TSS. (5/26/10).

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 – May 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution