Bryant’s Maritime Blog–1 November 2010

Headlines: Gulf of Mexico – recent anomaly was algal bloom, not oil; USCG – advisory re distracted operations; NOAA – Tampa Bay Operational Forecast System; DHS – Risk Lexicon; North Atlantic – USN resupply ship sunk by gunfire; California – report of emission benefits of hybrid tug; Somali Basin – scary moments, but pirates fail in hijack attempt; Somali Basin – pirates hijack tanker; Antarctica – search for downed helicopter with four on board; Hong Kong – nautical studies center opens; India – increased contact sought with other navies in the region; Singapore – oil spill response exercise; UK – damaged fish factory ship under evaluation; and North Atlantic – sail training vessel loses mast.

November 1, 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. He who is lost, hesitates.

Gulf of Mexico – recent anomaly was algal bloom, not oil

The Unified Command issued a news release stating that government and independent analysis of discolored water found in the vicinity of West Bay, Louisiana was the result of an algal bloom and did not contain any crude oil. The Unified Command, though, continues its response effort and its surveillance of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. (10/28/10).

USCG – advisory re distracted operations

The US Coast Guard issued a marine safety advisory warning of dangers resulting from distracted operations, particularly those involving wireless devices such as cellular telephones. The Coast Guard recommends that vessel owners and operators develop and implement effective operational policies outlining when the use of cellular telephones and other devices is appropriate or prohibited. Advisory 01-10 (10/29/10).

NOAA – Tampa Bay Operational Forecast System

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that its new Tampa Bay Operational Forecast System (TBOFS) is now active. The TBOFS forecasts, extending out to 48 hours, the water levels, currents, temperatures, and salinity for various locations within Tampa Bay. This information can be useful in support of navigation, emergency response, and ecological forecasts. (10/28/10).

DHS – Risk Lexicon

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted the DHS Risk Lexicon. Basically, this is the official government dictionary for terms relevant to homeland security risk management and analysis. It is intended to facilitate the clear exchange of information and data on these topics. (10/28/10).

North Atlantic – USN resupply ship sunk by gunfire

The US Navy issued a news release stating that the resupply ship USNS Saturn (T-AFS 100) was sunk by gunfire in the North Atlantic. This was not the commencement of a new conflict. Rather, it was tactical training by naval vessels and aircraft referred to as a sinking exercise (SINKEX). Prior to the exercise, the decommissioned ship was cleaned of contaminates in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. (10/28/10).

California – report on emission benefits of hybrid tug

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) posted its Report evaluating emission benefits of a hybrid tug boat. Emissions from two similar tugs (one with conventional diesel power and the other with a combination diesel and battery power system) were compared over a range of operating modes. The hybrid tug exhibited significant reductions in air emissions compared to the conventional tug: 73% for PM, 51% for NOx, and 27% for CO2. (10/10/14).

Somali Basin – scary moments, but pirates fail in hijack attempt

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that, while things were scary for a few hours, pirates failed in their attempt to hijack the bulk carrier Go Trader in the Somali Basin. The crew of 24 disabled the engine and locked themselves in a citadel until the pirates departed. (10/31/10).

Somali Basin – pirates hijack tanker

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the tanker Polar has been hijacked by pirates in the Somali Basin approximately 580 nautical miles east of Socotra Island. The vessel has a crew of 24. (10/30/10).

Antarctica – search for downed helicopter with four on board

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a media release stating that it is coordinating a multinational search for a helicopter approximately 100 kilometers from the Dumont D’Uberville base in Antarctica. There are four French nationals on the helicopter, which operates from the French research vessel L’Astrolabe. A subsequent media release states that the wreckage has been located and that there were no survivors. (10/29/10).

Hong Kong – nautical studies center opens

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a press release stating that the Hong Kong Seamen’s Union Study Centre has formally opened. The center is equipped with computer software on ship safety and over 1,000 books on a variety of maritime topics. It is open to career mariners and to students interested in a maritime career. (10/28/10).

India – increased contacts sought with other navies in the region

The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a press release stating that the Indian Navy is seeking to increase its contacts with other navies in the Indian Ocean region. Such contacts will enhance regional security and maritime domain awareness, while reducing the risks of piracy and terrorism. (10/27/10).

Singapore – oil spill response exercise

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release stating that it and other stakeholders conducted an oil spill response exercise simulating a collision between a crude oil tanker and a cargo vessel. (10/29/10).

UK – damaged fish factory ship under evaluation

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that the Secretary of State’s Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) has established a salvage control unit in Falmouth to evaluate the fish factory ship that was heavily damaged by fire. While the fire has been extinguished, continuing danger from fumes and chemicals on board have resulted in the evacuation of all persons on board. The ship is under tow and will be kept offshore while options are evaluated. (10/28/10).

North Atlantic – sail training vessel loses mast

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that the Polish sail training vessel Fryderyk Chopin, with 47 people on board, is awaiting assistance in the North Atlantic approximately 100 miles southwest of the Isles of Scilly after losing one of its two masts in a force 9 severe gale. Three vessels are en route. (10/29/10).

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 – November 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution