Bryant’s Maritime Blog–3 January 2011

Headlines: Bermuda – medical evacuation; USCG – lifesaving & firefighting equipment on UTVs; NOAA – Deepwater Horizon response; NOAA – 2011 hydrographic survey season; MSC – delivery of patrol boats to Iraq; Hong Kong – dredging in Hung Hom Fairway; India – year-end review of ports and shipping; Ireland – use of AIS as an ATON; Madagascar – fishing vessel apparently hijacked; Mozambique Channel – fishing vessel hijacked; Indian Ocean – pirates hijack bulk carrier; and Malaysia – tug boarded, crew robbed.

January 3, 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.

Bermuda – medical evacuation

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is preparing to medically evacuate the injured second mate of the tanker Aegean Angel approximately 500 miles northeast of Bermuda. The second mate was injured when a big wave struck the vessel as the captain, first mate, and second mate were on deck investigating the integrity of the ship. The captain and first mate were killed in the incident. A second news release states that the medical evacuation has been successfully completed. The rescue helicopter also delivered a new master and first mate to the ship. (1/2/11).

USCG – lifesaving & firefighting equipment on UTVs

The US Coast Guard issued a policy letter providing temporary exemptions from various regulatory requirements pertaining to uninspected towing vessels (UTVs) and providing guidance with regard to carriage of “excess” lifesaving and firefighting equipment on UTVs. This policy is temporary in nature and may be superseded for inspected towing vessels when pending regulations for the inspection of towing vessels become effective. CG-543 Policy Letter 10-06 (12/28/10).

NOAA – Deepwater Horizon response

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established a website containing material related to its response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It includes maps, wildlife reports, scientific reports, and other previously released public information relating to the incident. (12/29/10).

NOAA – 2011 hydrographic survey season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a news release stating that the 2011 hydrographic survey season has been finalized. Ocean and coastal mapping data will be collected for 2,525 square nautical miles in waters of the continental United States and Alaska. (12/29/10).

MSC – delivery of patrol boats to Iraq

The US Military Sealift Command (MSC) issued a press release stating that, using a chartered heavy-lift crane ship, it delivered the second of a new class of US-built patrol boats to Manama, Bahrain for transfer to the Iraqi Navy. The 115-foot patrol boats (15 in all) will be used to patrol coastal waters and provide security for the country’s oil platforms. (12/22/10).

Hong Kong – dredging in Hung Hom Fairway

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that, with immediate effect and for a period of approximately three months, dredging operations will be carried out in the Hung Hom Fairway. Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution. Notice 198/2010 (12/30/10).

India – year-end review of ports and shipping

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release reviewing accomplishments during 2010 related to ports and shipping. Among other things, capacity at major ports increased from 575 million tonnes to 617 million tonnes. The Government approved the establishment of the Indian Marine Casualty Investigation Cell to undertake investigations into marine casualties. (12/29/10).

Ireland – use of AIS as an ATON

The Commissioner of Irish Lights issued a notice stating that the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) have commenced roll out of AIS as an Aid to Navigation (ATON) at selected fixed and floating stations on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. Such installations will be depicted on nautical charts and displayed as an overlay on ECDIS, radar, and various other display systems. (12/22/10).

Madagascar – fishing vessel apparently hijacked

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the fishing vessel Shiuh Fu No. 1 has apparently been hijacked by pirates while operating in the Indian Ocean approximately 120 nautical miles northeast of Madagascar. On the morning of December 25, the vessel reported that it was under attack by pirates. There have been no subsequent communications with the vessel or its 26 crewmembers. (12/30/10).

Mozambique Channel – fishing vessel hijacked

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the fishing vessel Vega 5 was hijacked by pirates in the Mozambique Channel. The status of its crew of 14 is unknown. (1/1/11).

Indian Ocean – pirates hijack bulk carrier

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that pirates have hijacked the bulk carrier Blida, with 27 crewmembers and a cargo of clinkers, in the Indian Ocean approximately 150 nautical miles southeast of Salalah, Oman. Pirates are now holding 28 vessels and 654 hostages off the coast of Somalia. (1/1/11).

Malaysia – tug boarded, crew robbed

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued an incident alert stating that the tug Samho T8 was boarded by six robbers from a speed boat while approximately 3.5 nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Ramunia, Malaysia. The robbers took away cash and crew personal belongings. The crew was not injured. (12/30/10).

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 – January 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution