Bryant’s Maritime Blog–24 February 2011

Headlines: DOJ – company fined $2.4 million for false ORB; DHS – drug-free workplace requirements; FMC – Rules of Practice and Procedure; FMC – Information Security Program; Columbia River – derelict barge to be removed; Ireland – maintenance of ECDIS software; and New Zealand – radio handbook.

February 24, 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. Remembering the future.

DOJ – company fined $2.4 million for false ORB

The Department of Justice issued a news release stating that the owner of a foreign merchant vessel has been fined $2.4 million and placed on probation for three years. As part of its probation, the company must implement an environmental compliance program with an independent third party auditor. The company had pled guilty to falsifying the vessel’s oil record book (ORB) and making false statements to the US Coast Guard. Investigation revealed that oily waste was being dumped directly into the sea and the no entries were made in the ORB reflecting this disposal. (2/23/11).

DHS – drug-free workplace requirements

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule streamlining and consolidating its regulations on drug-free workplace requirements for federal assistance. The revisions come into effect immediately. 76 Fed. Reg. 10205 (February 24, 2011).

FMC – Rules of Practice and Procedure

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a final rule amending its Rules of Practice and Procedure to update, clarify, and reduce the burden on parties to proceedings before the Commission. The amendments come into effect immediately. 76 Fed. Reg. 10258 (February 24, 2011).

FMC – Information Security Program

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a final rule amending its regulations relating to its Information Security Program to reflect the changes implemented by Executive Order 13526 – Classified National Security Information – prescribing a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information. The amendments come into effect on February 28. 76 Fed. Reg. 10262 (February 24, 2011).

Columbia River – derelict barge to be removed

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources issued a media release stating that the US Coast Guard has decided to remove the derelict barge Davy Crockett from the Columbia River. The barge is aground on Washington State aquatic lands on the north side of the river near Camas. It is reported to have waste oil and various toxins on board and is in danger of falling apart. (2/22/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend David Shirlaw of Seawaves.

Ireland – maintenance of ECDIS software

The Irish Department of Transport issued a notice advising that the IMO Maritime Safety Committee approved revised guidance on the maintenance of ECDIS software. If ECDIS is not updated for the latest version of IHO Standards, it may not meet the chart carriage requirements as set out in SOLAS. Marine Notice 13/2011 (2/21/11).

New Zealand – radio handbook

Maritime New Zealand issued a Radio Handbook , providing a basic guide to radio telecommunications for the marine industry. (2/23/11).

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 – February 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution