Thursday, February 3, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–3 February 2011

Headlines: NOAA – nominations for National System of Marine Protected Areas; DHS OIG – examination of PTT process for cargo containers; Arabian Sea – NATO warship frees crew after pirate attack; Hong Kong – reminder re IMDG Code Amendments; India – remedial measures ordered re port safety; and Singapore – new format for Certificate of Endorsement.

February 3, 2011

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Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st 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.

NOAA – nominations for National System of Marine Protected Areas

clip_image004 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking comment on nominations received of existing marine protected areas for inclusion in the List of National System Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Comments on the nominations should be submitted by March 7. 76 Fed. Reg. 6119 (February 3, 2011).

DHS OIG – examination of PTT process for cargo containers

clip_image006 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued the report of its examination of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversight of the Permit to Transfer (PTT) process for cargo containers. While no significant deficiencies in the process were detected in the six ports analyzed, it became apparent that CBP has no centralized PTT process. OIG-11-28 (2/1/11).

Arabian Sea – NATO warship frees crew after pirate attack

clip_image008 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) issued a news release stating that one of the warships engaged in the Ocean Shield counter-piracy operation freed the crew of the merchant vessel New York Star after the vessel came under pirate attack in the Arabian Sea. When the pirates attacked, the crew barricaded themselves in a safe room (also known as a “citadel”) and called for assistance. The warship responded, although it was 600 miles away. The pirates were observed by a maritime surveillance aircraft using rocket-propelled grenades in an attempt to blow their way into the safe room. As the warship approached, a helicopter was sent ahead. The pirates fled the scene. When the warship arrived, the crew was freed and the vessel was carefully inspected to ensure that no pirates had remained behind. (1/29/11). Note: To me, the most disturbing aspect of this report was the effort expended by the pirates to break into the safe room. Owners and masters must ensure that any safe room be reinforced so as to be resistant to similar attacks.

Hong Kong – reminder re IMDG Code Amendments

clip_image010 The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice reminding stakeholders that the IMO adopted amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and also approved amendments to the Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS Guide). The amendments will enter into force on 1 January. However, they may be applied in whole or in part on a voluntary basis as of 1 January 2011. Marine Department Notice 14/2011 (2/2/11).

India – remedial measures ordered re port safety

clip_image012 The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that all Major Port Trusts have been directed to undertake remedial measures in light of lessons learned from a 2010 collision in the approach channel of Mumbai Port. Post-incident crisis management is to be reviewed and ports are required to install Tier 1 pollution control equipment. Further, port entry regulations must be tightened with special reference to insurance related documents, safety parameters, and seaworthiness. (2/2/11).

Ireland – port waste reception and handling plans

clip_image014 The Irish Department of Transport (DoT) issued a notice advising that the EU Directive on Port Reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues has been transposed into Irish law. Port authorities are obligated to furnish DoT with a status report on the operation of their Port Waste Reception and Handling (PWRH) Plans. Marine Notice 10/2011 (2/1/11).

Singapore – new format for Certificate of Endorsement

clip_image016 The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular advising of its new electronic system for processing and issuance of Certificates of Endorsement (COEs), which include use of digitized authorization signature, MPA/iDA stamps, and a tamper-proof digitized photograph of the certificate holder. Shipping Circular 5/2011 (1/31/11).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – February 2011

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