Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 19 October 2010

Headlines: Somalia – pirates release bulk carrier; Somali Basin – fishing vessel hijacked by pirates; Indonesia – robbers board crude oil tanker; ReCAAP – report for January-September 2010; FEMA – PSGP allowable costs for seafarer transit; BOEMRE – Director’s comments re reform and international engagement; San Diego – Rescue 21 communications system; Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal – safety zone; USCG – bulk solid hazardous materials; SHC – meeting; ICCOPR – meeting; Singapore – economic sanctions against North Korea; and UK – vessel owners & OOW fined for COLREGS violation/collision.

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Somalia – pirates release bulk carrier

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that pirates in Garacad, Somalia have released the Liberian bulk carrier VOC Daisy. The vessel was hijacked on April 21 in the Indian Ocean approximately 190 nautical miles southeast of Oman. The crew of 21 is reported to be in good health. (10/18/10).

Somali Basin – fishing vessel hijacked by pirates

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the South Korean fishing vessel Golden Wave has been hijacked by pirates in the Somali Basin off the Kenyan coast. (10/17/10).

Indonesia – robbers board crude oil tanker

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued an Incident Alert stating that a crude oil tanker was boarded by robbers as it transited Indonesian waters near Pulau Karimata. The six robbers, armed with long knives, stole cash and personal effects. (10/15/10).

ReCAAP – report for January-September 2010

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued its Quarterly Report stating that, during the period January through September 2010 a total of 118 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in the Asian region. There has been an increase in violence associated with these incidents as compared with the same period in 2006-2009. (10/18/10).

FEMA – PSGP allowable costs for seafarer transit

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate issued Information Bulletin 346 concerning Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) allowable costs for seafarers and shore staff/support. It provides that, effective immediately, funds for FY 2007 Supplemental through FY 2010 PSGP awards may be utilized to fund projects that will ensure the safe and secure transit of seafarers and shore staff/support to and from the vessel while at a Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) regulated facility. The following types of costs are approved for use of PSGP grant funds for this purpose: (1) passenger vans accommodating up to 15 passengers; (2) mini-buses; (3) closed-circuit television systems (CCTV); and (4) portable fencing systems with a minimum height of eight feet. (9/16/10). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my friend John Walker of the US Coast Guard.

BOEMRE – Director’s comments re reform and international engagement

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) posted the comments of Director Michael Bromwich at the International Regulator’s Forum in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Director focused his comments on recent reforms within the Bureau and with regard to the offshore oil and gas industry and on the importance of engaging with similar agencies in other coastal nations. (10/18/10).

San Diego – Rescue 21 communications system

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that, on October 21, it will hold a ceremony and demonstration to commemorate the acceptance of the Rescue 21 communications system in Sector San Diego. The system is intended to improve communications and to better locate mariners in distress. (10/18/10).

Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal – safety zone

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it will enforce the Asian carp safety zone on waters of the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal between mile marker 291.0 and mile marker 296.1 from 4:00 p.m. on October 19 to 12:00 p.m. on October 20 and from 4:00 p.m. on October 20 to 10:00 a.m. on October 21 in order to reduce risks associated with intensive fish sampling efforts. 75 Fed. Reg. 64147 (October 19, 2010).

USCG – bulk solid hazardous materials

The US Coast Guard issued its final rule relating to carriage of bulk solid hazardous materials. The rule harmonizes US regulations with recent amendments to Chapters VI and VII of the SOLAS Convention that make the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargos (IMSBC) Code mandatory for carriage of bulk solid cargoes other than grain. The rule comes into effect on January 1, 2011. 75 Fed. Reg. 64585 (October 19, 2010).

SHC – meeting

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on November 12. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). Topics on the agenda include: maritime security; goal-based construction standards; LRIT; and piracy. 75 Fed. Reg. 64390 (October 19, 2010).

ICCOPR – meeting

The Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research (ICCOPR), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will meet in New Orleans on November 17 to hear comments on the priorities of oil pollution research, including projects related to the Deepwater Horizon incident and the Arctic environment. 75 Fed. Reg. 64321 (October 19, 2010).

Singapore – economic sanctions against North Korea

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular summarizing the various economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). These sanctions have been incorporated into Singapore regulations. Shipping Circular 18/2010 (10/14/10).

UK – vessel owners & OOW fined for COLREGS violation/collision

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that the owners of a fishing vessel and the officer of the watch (OOW) were fined £1,000 and £3,500 respectively for violations of the collision regulations (COLREGS) that resulted in a collision in the Viieland Straits Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). Costs in the amount of £9,328.50 were also assessed. (10/18/10).

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 – October 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution