Bryant's Maritime Blog: Bryant’s Maritime Blog

Headlines: White House – meeting with BP executives; MARAD – approval process for foreign transfer of US vessels; USCG – Sector Columbia River; WHO – H1Ni virus in post-pandemic period; New Zealand – proposed amendment to Safe Ship Management system; and Panama Canal – July operations summary.

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White House – meeting with BP executives

The White House issued a press release stating that senior Administration officials met with BP executives to discuss a range of issues regarding ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. They impressed upon BP the importance of the commitment to long-term recovery. (8/9/10).

MARAD – approval process for foreign transfer of US vessels

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) posted a notice stating that it is changing its approval process for the Request for Transfer of Ownership, Registry, and Flag, or Charter, Lease, or Mortgage of U.S. documented vessels (MA-29) to include notification to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the request. This notice is to advise applicants of the potential processing delay so that they can factor it into their business plans. (8/10/10).

USCG – Sector Columbia River

The US Coast Guard issued a final rule, effective August 16, amending various regulations to reflect the renaming of Sector Portland, Oregon to Sector Columbia River. 75 Fed. Reg. 48564 (August 11, 2010).

WHO – H1N1 virus in post-pandemic period

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a media release stating that the new H1N1 virus has largely run its course and is now in the post-pandemic period. It is expected to take on the behavior of seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for years to come. (8/10/10).

New Zealand – proposed amendment to Safe Ship Management system

Maritime New Zealand issued a notice stating that it proposes to amend the Safe Ship Management (SSM) system so that the approval of SSM organizations will be deemed to constitute a maritime document. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by 20 August. (8/10/10).

Panama Canal – July operations summary

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory summarizing its operations during July. It also includes a schedule of planned locks maintenance work for the upcoming year. (8/9/10).