Bryant's Maritime Blog: Bryant’s Maritime Blog

Headlines: Joint Investigation – extension of deadline for final report; EPA – experts sought to review Draft Oil Spill Response Strategy; DOJ – intoxicated master sentenced to prison; NOAA, BOEMRE & DOE – ocean renewable energy research projects; Jacksonville – stolen Florida FWC vessel recovered; Detroit – owner fined for failure to report grounding; St. Lawrence Seaway – tug and barges aground; Channel Islands – spill at offshore platform contained; MARAD – TIGER grant for California’s new Green Trade Corridor; Somali Basin – pirates hijack LPG carrier; EU – integrated maritime policy; UK – owner fined for failure to provide adequate hours of rest; and UK – fish factory ship on fire.

October 27, 2010

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91^st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA

Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com – Internet: http://brymar-consulting.com

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items. Isn’t it quiet around the house when the goldfish dies?

Joint Investigation – extension of deadline for final report

The USCG-BOEMRE Joint Investigation Team issued a news release stating that the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) approved a request to extend the deadline for submittal of the final report into the explosion, fire, and sinking of the MODU Deepwater Horizon with loss of eleven lives until March 27, 2011. The extension will allow for completion of forensic testing of the blowout preventer (BOP) and marine riser package, as well as providing sufficient time for a final public hearing on the forensic evidence. The public hearing is tentatively scheduled for the week of January 24, 2011. (10/22/10).

EPA – experts sought to review Draft Oil Spill Response Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice stating that it is seeking nominations for experts to review its Draft Oil Spill Response Strategy. Peer review of the draft strategy will focus on four activities: (1) dispersants; (2) alternative remediation technologies; (3) coastal restoration; and (4) human health effects identified during the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Nominations should be submitted by November 9. 75 Fed. Reg. 65627 (October 26, 2010).

DOJ – intoxicated master sentenced to prison

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the master of a foreign freighter was sentenced to 14 days in prison and six months supervised release, during which time he is not allowed to sail in US waters. US Coast Guard officers had boarded the freighter as it was transiting the Strait of Juan de Fuca en route Olympia, Washington. Examination revealed various irregularities and a breath test showed that his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. (10/25/10).

NOAA, BOEMRE & DOE – ocean renewable energy research projects

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that it; the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE); and the Department of Energy (DOE) are awarding eight joint research grants totaling nearly $5 million to support responsible siting and permitting of offshore wind energy facilities and projects for energy generated from waves, tides, currents, and thermal gradients. (10/26/10).

Jacksonville – stolen Florida FWC vessel recovered

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it was notified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that one of the agency’s 20-foot Boston Whalers had been stolen from a marina at Fleming Island. Naval Station Mayport reported soon afterward that a vessel matching the description of the stolen vessel had recently passed the naval station. A Coast Guard law enforcement crew interdicted the vessel and detained the operator. (10/26/10).

Detroit – owner fined for failure to report grounding

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that an owner has been fined $5,000 for failure to timely report the grounding of its vessel. The 670-foot vessel grounded in the Saginaw River on June 1. The Coast Guard was notified in late September when the crew finally determined the full extent of damage. (10/21/10).

St. Lawrence Seaway – tug and barges aground

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is investigating the grounding of a tug and its two barges in the St. Lawrence Seaway near Alexandria Bay, New York. There have been no reports of injury or pollution. The barges, carrying a cargo of soybeans, are taking on water. (10/24/10).

Channel Islands – spill at offshore platform contained

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it received a report of approximately 63 gallons of contained crude from an offshore platform near the Channel Islands off southern California. A second news release states that all product from the spill has been contained. The incident is under investigation. (10/22/10).

MARAD – TIGER grant for California’s new Green Trade Corridor

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a news release stating that ground has officially been broken on California’s new Green Trade Corridor. A $30 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant will help develop a viable waterborne shipping route between Oakland, Stockton, and West Sacramento. (10/26/10).

Somali Basin – pirates hijack LPG carrier

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release stating that a Singapore-flag liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier has been hijacked by pirates in the Somali Basin approximately 90 miles off Mombasa. There are 17 crew members on board. (10/24/10).

EU – integrated maritime policy

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for further integration of the European maritime policy. The Integrated Maritime Policy would encompass, in particular, integrating maritime surveillance systems and coordinating pollution response linked to offshore platforms. Resolution 2010/2040 (INI) (10/21/10).

UK – owner fined for failure to provide adequate hours of rest

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that a ship owner pleaded guilty to failure to provide various members of the crew with adequate hours of rest and of failing to improve the situation after notification. The company was fined £18,500, plus costs of £4,439.27. (10/25/10).

UK – fish factory ship on fire

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that a fish factory ship with 111 persons on board is on fire in the North Atlantic approximately 230 miles southwest of the Isles of Scilly. The master has evacuated 81 non-essential personnel into liferafts. The winds are currently from the southwest at force 5-6. The seas are moderate. A rescue helicopter is en route, but the distance puts the vessel at the extreme limit of the helicopter’s range. (10/27/10).