Bryant’s Maritime Blog–28 April 2011

Headlines: USCG – revised passenger weight standards; Tacoma – water rescue exercise; CRS – marine effects of Fukushima Daiichi radiation; New York – opening of Erie Canal delayed; Australia – two large drifting nets recovered; and Hong Kong – new “Report of Marine Incident” form.

April 28, 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. “Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.” (Steve Landesburg).

USCG – revised passenger weight standards

The US Coast Guard issued guidance for implementation of the new Assumed Average Weight Per Person (AAWPP) with respect to existing passenger vessels. Effective December 1, 2011, the AAWPP for use in determining the maximum number of persons permitted on a vessel will be 185 pounds. Previously, the assumed weight in most situations was 160 pounds. CG-543 Policy Letter 11-03 (4/8/11). Note: This change in AAWPP is yet another consequence of global warming.

Tacoma – water rescue exercise

The US Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on waters of East Passage, Tacoma, Washington for a regional water rescue exercise on June 9 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 76 Fed. Reg. 23708 (April 28, 2011).

CRS – marine effects of Fukushima Daiichi radiation

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a report on the effects of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility on the US marine environment. It found that, while radioactive material in ocean waters and from rainfall is likely to enter the US marine environment, it is unlikely to be at a level to present a threat to human health. R41751 (4/15/11).

New York – opening of Erie Canal delayed

The New York State Canal System issued a Notice to Mariners stating that, due to high water and excessive flows caused by recent weather events and continued melt of snow pack, the New York State Canal System is not anticipated to open as scheduled on May 1. (4/27/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my friend Lee Licata.

Australia – two large drifting nets recovered

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a media release stating that it recovered two large nets discovered drifting in waters west of the Torres Strait inside the Australian EEZ. The nets had a combined length of seven nautical miles. Marine life found in the nets numbered 312 fish, including sharks, mackerel, barracuda, tuna, and sailfish, as well as sea snakes and turtles. (4/27/11).

Hong Kong – new “Report of Marine Incident” form

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a Notice stating that its separate forms for reporting shipping casualties, marine industrial accidents, and dangerous occurrences are being replaced by a single form – Report of Marine Incident. The new form may be used immediately. The old forms will be phased out on August 1. (4/27/11).

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 – April 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution