Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 24 August 2010

Headlines: Joint Investigation – first day of fourth session concluded; Gulf Coast Claims Facility – open for business; Gulf of Mexico – boom recovered from certain coastal waters; Gulf of Mexico – Deepwater Horizon safety zone; PHMSA – harmonization of hazmat regulations; USCG – AIS special notice; and Panama Canal – dredger unveiled.

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Joint Investigation – first day of fourth session concluded

The USCG-DOI Joint Investigation issued a news release stating that it has concluded the first day in its fourth session of hearings into circumstances surrounding the explosion, fire, and sinking of the MODU Deepwater Horizon. The hearings resume on Tuesday, August 24. (8/23/10).

Gulf Coast Claims Facility – open for business

The Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF), administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg, is now accepting claims from individuals and businesses for costs and damages incurred as a result of the oil discharges due to the Deepwater Horizon incident on April 20, 2010. All claims filed with BP before August 23 have been transferred to the GCCF for ongoing review and determination. (8/23/10).

Gulf of Mexico – boom recovered from certain coastal waters

The National Incident Command (NIC) issued a news release stating that 90% of the hard boom has been removed for waters off Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. No visible oil has been observed in these areas recently. (8/23/10).

Gulf of Mexico – Deepwater Horizon safety zone

The US Coast Guard is extending, through November 26, the temporary safety zone in the Gulf of Mexico around the riser for the MODU Deepwater Horizon. 75 Fed. Reg. 51943 (August 24, 2010).

PHMSA – harmonization of hazmat regulations

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to maintain alignment with international standards. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by October 25. 75 Fed. Reg. 52069 (August 24, 2010).

USCG – AIS special notice

The US Coast Guard Navigation Center issued a special notice reminding mariners that any vessel operating in US waters equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) should confirm that the proper channel frequency has been selected. The standard default AIS frequency is 161.975 MHz (AIS1 or channel 87B). The alternate AIS frequency is 162.025 MHz (AIS2 or channel 88B). These frequencies can be verified through the manufacturer’s operation/owner’s manual for the AIS installed. (8/23/10).

Panama Canal – dredger unveiled

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it will be utilizing the D’Artagnan dredger in its project to expand the Canal. The D’Artagnan dredger is the most powerful self-propelled heavy duty cutter suction dredger in the world, designed for cutting rocks and dredging sand. (8/20/10).

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