Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 17 August 2010

Headlines: MARAD – advisory re transiting the Strait of Hormuz; Joint Investigation – fourth session to commence next week; DOI – categorical exclusions for offshore drilling to be limited; DOJ – ship owner sentenced for failure to maintain ORB; Treasury – Iranian deceptions against sanctions; Baltimore – Rescue 21 to be inaugurated; TSAC - meetings; USCG – invocation of Sunken Military Craft Act; and Chittagong – robbers steal mooring ropes.

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MARAD – advisory re transiting the Strait of Hormuz

The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a notice advising vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to exercise increased vigilance and caution, particularly at night, with increased monitoring of small vessel/boat activity. Advisory 2010-08 (8/13/10). Note: My thoughts on the broader topic may be found at Small Vessel Security Threat.

Joint Investigation – fourth session to commence next week

The US Coast Guard issued a media advisory stating that the Joint Investigation of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill being conducted with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEM) will be held in Houston on August 23-27. (8/16/10).

DOI – categorical exclusions for offshore drilling to be limited

The Department of the Interior issued a news release stating that it will restrict use of categorical exclusions for offshore oil and gas development to activities involving limited environmental risk while it takes a comprehensive review of the situation. The new review process will be announced shortly. (8/16/10).

DOJ – ship owner sentenced for failure to maintain ORB

The Department of Justice issued a press release stating that a ship owner pleaded guilty in federal court to failure to maintain an accurate oil record book (ORB). The company was sentenced to pay a fine of $350,00 and to three years’ probation. Separately, three individuals and a consulting company have been charged in an oil pollution conspiracy. (8/13/10).

Treasury – Iranian deceptions against sanctions

The US Treasury Department issued a press release highlighting Iran’s use of its national maritime carrier, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its international shipping industry to evade international economic sanctions. US companies everywhere and foreign doing business in the United States should exercise enhanced vigilance so as to avoid inadvertent violations of US sanctions against Iran. (8/16/10).

Baltimore – Rescue 21 to be inaugurated

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that operation of the Rescue 21 advanced search, rescue, and communications system for Sector Baltimore will be inaugurated on August 19. (8/16/10).

TSAC – meetings

The Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) and its working group on the Revision of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 04-01, sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will meet in Pittsburgh on September 1 and 2Teh focus of the meetings will be possible revision of NVIC 04-01 – Licensing and Manning for Officers of Towing Vessels, but other topics on the agenda include barge fleeting/lighting and lessons learned from the T/V Elizabeth M casualty. 75 Fed. Reg. 50774 (August 17, 2010).

USCG – invocation of Sunken Military Craft Act

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that the USCG C-130 aircraft CG 1705 that sank off the coast of California on October 29, 2009 is protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act (10 U.S.C. § 113 Note). The wreckage, which is a gravesite and the final resting place for the seven Coast Guard crewmembers, may not be disturbed, removed, or injured. 75 Fed. Reg. 50773 (August 17, 2010).

Chittagong – robbers steal mooring ropes

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued an Incident Alert stating that a bulk carrier was underway in Chittagong port anchorage A on the night of 15 August when it was boarded by four robbers armed with knives. They stole four mooring ropes. The crew was not injured. (8/15/10).

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 – August 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution