Bryant’s Maritime Blog–7 March 2011

Headlines: SOS – an international effort to end piracy; Somali Basin – warship frees tanker, detains pirates; Gulf of Aden – armed guards fight off pirate attack; Gulf of Mexico – individuals safe after oil platform fire; House – bill introduced re use of pesticides on navigable waters; House – bill introduced re GL-MR hydrological separation; Senate – bill introduced re GL-MR hydrological separation; Senate – bill introduced re Thunder Bay NMS; Miami – dredging project to be fully funded; Hong Kong – dredging off Hung Hom Fairway; and India – IRS achieves full IACS membership.

March 7, 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

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SOS – an international effort to end piracy

Save Our Seafarers is an organization dedicated to bringing the world’s attention to the 800 seafarers being held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia. More robust laws, stronger enforcement of international conventions, firmer political resolve, and rebuilding of the Somali economy are necessary in order to bring an end to this scourge and provide relief for the hostages.

Somali Basin – warship frees tanker, detains pirates

The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) issued a press release stating that one of its warships secured the release of a vessel that had been assaulted by pirates. As four pirates boarded the tanker Guanabara, the crew of 24 retreated to their citadel while sending a distress message. A specialist boarding team was deployed to the tanker and rounded up the pirates. (3/6/11).

Gulf of Aden – armed guards fight off pirate attack

The Government of Denmark issued a news release stating that armed guards on a Danish-owned cargo ship fought off an attack by pirates as the ship was transiting off the coast of Yemen. The guards had been taken on board as the ship passed through the Suez Canal en route India. (3/4/11).

Gulf of Mexico – individuals safe after oil platform fire

The US Coast Guard issued a new release stating that the two individuals who were on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico when it caught fire are safe. The men escaped in a life capsule, were recovered by a Good Samaritan vessel, and then brought ashore by a USCG helicopter. The platform had been shut down for two weeks and was not producing at the time of the fire. The fire is reportedly out. (3/6/11).

House – bill introduced re use of pesticides on navigable waters

Representative Gibbs (R-OH) introduced the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 (H.R. 872) to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Congressional intent regarding the regulation of the use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for other purposes. (3/2/11).

House – bill introduced re GL-MR hydrological separation

Representative Camp (R-MI) introduced a bill (H.R. 892) to require the Secretary of the Army to study the feasibility of the hydrological separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (3/3/11).

Senate – bill introduced re GL-MR hydrological separation

Senator Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bill (S. 471) to require the Secretary of the Army to study the feasibility of the hydrological separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (3/3/11).

Senate – bill introduced re Thunder Bay NMS

Senator Levin (D-MI) introduced a bill (S. 485) to expand the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (3/3/11).

Miami – dredging project to be fully funded

Florida Governor Rick Scott issued a press release stating that he plans to fully fund the $77 million shortfall for the Port of Miami dredging project, which calls for dredging to 50 feet, so that larger “New Panamax” ships can load and unload at piers in the port. (3/4/11).

Hong Kong – dredging off Hung Hom Fairway

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a Marine Notice stating that, with immediate effect and for a period of approximately two months, dredging operations will be carried out off the Hung Hom Fairway. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating in this vicinity. (3/4/11).

India – IRS achieves full IACS membership

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that on 22.06.2010 the Indian Registrar of Shipping (IRS) achieved the status of full membership of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). IRS is the eleventh ship classification society to become a member. The Ministry also noted that the Indian fleet now exceeds 10 million GT. (3/3/11).

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 – March 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution