Bryant’s Maritime Blog–20 January 2011

Headlines: USCG – guidance re lifejackets and immersion suits; DOJ – chief engineer sentenced for ORB violation; DOI – overhaul of offshore energy oversight and management; St. Lawrence Seaway – Draught Information System; Bering Sea – storm avoidance; Virgin Islands – vessel ordered to undergo fumigation; DHS OIG – review of USCG Marine Safety Performance Plan; FEMA – NIMS Training Plan; USCG – members sought for TSAC; USCG – fishing vessel safety; GAO – efforts to address risks posed by foreign seafarers; India – Maritime Agenda 2010-2020; Ireland – consultation re Maritime Labour Convention, 2006; Singapore – preparation for contingency of hijack; Singapore – mandatory carriage of ECDIS; and UK – National Maritime Security Programme.

January 20, 2011

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. Keep misbehaving.

USCG – guidance re lifejackets and immersion suits

The US Coast Guard released guidance with respect to new SOLAS amendments affecting the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code and the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances requirements for lifejacket and immersion suit approval and carriage, effective 1 July 2010. The Coast Guard has determined that lifejackets and immersion suits meeting the new SOLAS standards will be considered to have equivalent performance characteristics as those specified in current USCG regulations. The Coast Guard anticipates eventual issuance of specific new regulations to implement the recent SOLAS amendments. NVIC 03-10 (11/10/10)

DOJ – chief engineer sentenced for ORB violation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the former chief engineer of an oceanographic research vessel was sentenced to two years of probation and a criminal fine of $5,000 for submitting to the US Coast Guard an oil record book with known false entries. The owner of the vessel had previously pleaded guilty to the same offense. (1/12/11).

DOI – overhaul of offshore energy oversight and management

The Department of the Interior (DOI) issued a press release stating that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) will be split into two separate agencies. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will assume responsibility for resource development and energy management. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will assume responsibility for safety and enforcement functions. In addition, the Offshore Energy Safety Advisory Committee will be established to provide input on improving offshore drilling safety, well containment, and spill response. (1/19/11).

St. Lawrence Seaway – Draught Information System

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System issued a Customer Advisory announcing development of a Draught Information System to increase safety of navigation by providing the mariner with better information about under-keel clearance. Comments on the current Committee Draft document should be submitted by 17 February. (1/19/11).

Bering Sea – storm avoidance

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it granted storm avoidance requests for five foreign merchant vessels experiencing heavy weather in the Bering Sea. In accordance with the approval of the storm avoidance requests, the foreign vessels were allowed to seek shelter in the lee of various Aleutian Islands (two vessels are off Attu, two are off Atka, and one is off Adak). The ships were transiting the great circle route through the Bering Sea when they encountered waves of about 30 feet, sustained winds in excess of 55 mph, and gusts of up to 100 mph. Since October, the Coast Guard has granted ten storm avoidance requests in this area. (1/18/10).

Virgin Islands – vessel ordered to undergo fumigation

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a news release stating that presence of Khapra Beetle insects was discovered on a cargo vessel that had arrived in the Port of St. Croix. The vessel was ordered to leave territorial waters and complete a Department of Agriculture-approved fumigation. The Khapra Beetle is a highly destructive stored-product pest. (1/18/11).

DHS OIS – review of USCG Marine Safety Performance Plan

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released the report of its review of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Performance Plan (MSPP). The USCG Marine Safety Program ensures the safety of tens of thousands of mariners, vessels, and facilities, while protecting the marine environment. The OIG report finds that the MSPP has positive attributes, but recommends inclusion of baseline information, performance targets, performance milestones and completion dates, and resources needed. It also recommends that the goals, objectives, and courses of action be converted into quantifiable measures. OIG-11-22 (1/19/11).

FEMA – NIMS Training Plan

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting comments on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training Plan. The plan specifies stakeholder responsibilities and activities for developing, maintaining, and sustaining NIMS training. It also defines the process for developing training and personnel qualification requirements for emergence management/response personnel. Comments should be submitted by February 22. 76 Fed. Reg. 3648 (January 20, 2011).

USCG – members sought for TSAC

The US Coast Guard seeks applications for membership on the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). Applications should be submitted by March 7. 76 Fed. Reg. 3647 (January 20, 2011).

USCG – fishing vessel safety

The US Coast Guard has published the latest issued of the Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council. This issue focuses primarily on fishing vessel safety. (1/19/11).

GAO – efforts to address risks posed by foreign seafarers

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on actions to address risks to US security posed by foreign seafarers. It notes that Customs agents, when conducting examinations aboard foreign ships in port, have no ability to connect to their computerized databases. Records regarding absconders and deserters are inconsistent between agencies. Civil monetary penalties for illegal entries have not been adjusted for inflation. GAO-11-195 (1/18/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

India – Maritime Agenda 2010-2020

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that the Maritime Agenda 2010-2020 has set a goal to create port capacity of around 3200 MT to handle expected traffic increases. (1/13/11).

Ireland – consultation re Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

The Irish Department of Transport (DoT) issued a notice stating that it is seeking comments on the forthcoming implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) into Irish law. Comments should be submitted by March 14. Marine Notice 04-2011 (1/18/11).

Singapore – preparation for contingency of hijack

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular providing guidance in the preparation of a company and crew for the contingency of hijack by pirates in the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. The company should have a complete and up-to-date Crisis Management Procedure (CMP). The crew should be trained, briefed, and have up-to-date personnel and medical files. Shipping Circular 2-2011 (1/17/11).

Singapore – mandatory carriage of ECDIS

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a comprehensive circular reminding stakeholders that the implementation dates for mandatory carriage of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) will commence on a phased-in basis on 1 July 2012. Shipping Circular 3-2011 (1/19/11).

UK – National Maritime Security Programme

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) posted an Overview of the UK National Maritime Security Programme. The aim of maritime security is to detect and deter security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities and to protect from harm passengers, crews, ship and their cargoes, port facilities, and the people who work and live in port areas. The program is under the leadership of the Transportation Security and Contingencies Team (TRANSEC). (1/19/11).

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 – January 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution