Bryant’s Maritime Blog–21 December 2010

Headlines: USCG/EPA – temporary suspension of response time requirements; EPA – national emission standards for shipbuilding and ship repair; NOSAC – meeting; Massachusetts – taking of marine mammals at LNG DWP; USCG – protection for whistleblowers; IMO – summary of MSC session; EU – maritime cargo down by 12% in 2009; Indian Ocean – bulk carrier hijacked by pirates; ReCAAP – November report; New Zealand – minor changes proposed to maritime rules; and UK – report on unintended movement of ro-ro passenger vessel.

December 21, 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. When all else fails, SHOUT.

USCG/EPA – temporary suspension of response time requirements

The US Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a joint notice stating that their June 30 emergency temporary interim rule suspending certain oil spill response time requirements in order to support the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of National Significance (SONS) response will be allowed to expire on December 31, 2010 as originally scheduled. Vessel and facility response plan holders and spill response organizations should plan accordingly. 75 Fed. Reg. 79961 (December 21, 2010).

EPA – national emission standards for shipbuilding and ship repair

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to amend regulations relating to air emission standards for shipbuilding and ship repair with regard to surface coating. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by February 22, 2011. 75 Fed. Reg. 80219 (December 21, 2010).

NOSAC – meeting

The National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will conduct a teleconference meeting on January 12, 2011. 75 Fed. Reg. 80064 (December 21, 2010).

Massachusetts – taking of marine mammals at LNG DWP

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a proposal to extend through July 2016 the current authorization for Neptune LNG LLC to take by harassment marine mammals incidental to operation of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) deepwater port (DWP) in waters off the coast of Massachusetts. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by February 4, 2011. 75 Fed. Reg. 80259 (December 21, 2010).

USCG – protection for whistleblowers

The US Coast Guard issued a direct final rule to provide increase whistleblower protection for uniformed members of the Coast Guard. The rule will come into effect on April 20, 2011, unless adverse comments are received by February 22, 2011. 75 Fed. Reg. 79956 (December 21, 2010).

IMO – summary of MSC session

The IMO issued a press briefing summarizing the recently concluded session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). The MSC adopted an amendment to the SOLAS Convention which will make mandatory the International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures (2010 FTP Code). The expected entry into force date is 1 July 2012. The MSC also adopted a requirement for annual testing of AIS and amendments to regulation V/23 on pilot transfer arrangements. (12/20/10).

EU – maritime cargo down by 12% in 2009

The European Union (EU) Statistical Office (EUROSTAT) issued a press release stating that for 2009, the total weight of goods handled in maritime ports in the EU27 fell by 12% from the previous year to 3.4 billion tonnes. Rotterdam and Antwerp were the largest ports for cargo. (12/20/10).

Indian Ocean – bulk carrier hijacked by pirates

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the bulk carrier Orna was hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean approximately 400 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles. (12/20/10).

ReCAAP – November report

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued its Report for November 2010. The report shows that 17 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships (comprising 12 actual incidents and five attempted incidents) were reported in November in the Asian region. Eight of the incidents were in the Arabian Sea and are suspected to have been carried out by East African (Somalian) pirates. (12/20/10).

New Zealand – minor changes proposed to maritime rules

Maritime New Zealand issued an Invitation to Comment on various proposed minor changes to its maritime rules. Comments should be submitted by 21 January 2011. (12/20/10).

UK – report on unintended movement of ro-ro passenger vessel

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation into the unintended movement of a ro-ro passenger vessel during loading operations at Heysham on 26 March 2010. The engineering officers were attempting to complete too many non-routine tasks on a tight schedule. There was a breakdown in communications. One engineer attempted to test the propeller controls while, unbeknownst to him, another engineer was running the engine to correct an electrical fault. As a result, the vessel started to get underway while passengers were boarding. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Report 17/2010 (12/21/10).

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 – December 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution