Headlines: USCG & BOEMRE – joint investigation hearings resume; OMB – inspection of towing vessels; USCG – removal of conditions of entry re Mauritania; Southeastern New England – security zones proposed; FMC – order of investigation and hearing; NOAA & FWS – management plan for Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument; NOAA – new members of Hydrographic Services Review Panel; USCG – NMC performance report; TRB & USCG – Joint HSC & AMSC Conference; BOEMRE – public comment invited on EA for deepwater activity; House – bill introduced re evidence of WWII merchant marine service; Indian Ocean – suspected pirates detained; and UK – advice re Fukashima accident.
April 5, 2011
Bryant’s Maritime News 
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 newsletter 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 email to the editor or by going to the blog page on the website and clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily newsletter 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 & BOEMRE – joint investigation hearings resume
The Joint Investigation issued a news release stating that it concluded the first day of its seventh session of hearings into the circumstances surrounding the marine casualty with loss of life on the MODU Deepwater Horizon. Testifying on this day were Gary Kenney, lead investigator of forensics for Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Neil Thompson, a DNV project manager. This stage of the investigation is examining the condition of the blowout preventer. (4/4/11).
OMB – inspection of towing vessels
The proposed rule for Inspection of Towing Vessels has (finally) been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This rulemaking would implement a program of inspection for certification of US towing vessels, which were previously uninspected. It would prescribe standards for safety management systems and third-party auditors and surveyors, along with standards for construction, operation, vessel systems, safety equipment, and recordkeeping. (4/1/11). Note: Once this rulemaking comes into effect, US towing vessels that become subject to inspection would no longer fall under the joint jurisdiction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This joint jurisdiction has been a rubbing point within the towing industry for years. OMB review generally takes 2-3 months.
USCG – removal of conditions of entry re Mauritania
The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that, effective immediately, it is removing the conditions of entry on vessels arriving from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Recent information indicates that Mauritania is now maintaining effective anti-terrorist measures. 76 Fed. Reg. 18771 (April 5, 2011).
Southeastern New England – security zones proposed
The US Coast Guard proposes establishing permanent security zones around cruise ships in the Southeastern New England Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone. These zones would be similar to the temporary ones currently in place. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by May 5. 76 Fed. Reg. 18674 (April 5, 2011).
FMC – order of investigation and hearing
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order of Investigation and Hearing relating to Worldwide Logistics Co., Ltd., a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) based in the People’s Republic of China, for alleged violations of the Shipping Act of 1984. 76 Fed. Reg. 18761 (April 5, 2011).
NOAA & FWS – management plan for Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a notice stating that they intend to develop a management plan for the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, consisting of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll. Comments should be submitted by May 5. 76 Fed. Reg. 18775 (April 5, 2011).
NOAA – new members of Hydrographic Services Review Panel
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that nine new members has been appointed to the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP). The HSRP provides independent advice for improving ocean and coastal navigation products, information, data, and services. (3/31/11).
USCG – NMC performance report
The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) posted its Performance Report for March 2011. The inventory of pending applications has been reduced from its February level and the throughput rate has increased. (4/4/11).
TRB & USCG – Joint HSC and AMSC Conference
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the US Coast Guard are co-sponsoring the Joint Harbor Safety Committee (HSC) and Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) Conference on June 7-9 in Houston. (4/1/11).
BOEMRE – public comment invited on EA for deepwater activity
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a press release stating that public comment is invited with respect to an Environmental Assessment (EA) for an Exploration Plan (EP). The EP involves deepwater activity in the Gulf of Mexico and was completed in accordance with new safety and environmental standards implemented since the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. (4/1/11).
House – bill introduced re evidence of WWII merchant marine service
Representative Butterfield (D-NC) introduced the World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act (H.R. 1288) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept additional documentation when considering the application for veterans status of an individual who performed service in the merchant marines during World War II, and for other purposes. (3/31/11).
Indian Ocean – suspected pirates detained
The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that one of its warships located a whaler-type vessel suspected of having engaged in an assault on a merchant vessel in the Indian Ocean approximately 89 nautical miles southeast of Mombasa. The whaler was carrying two individuals, a significant number of fuel barrels, and pirate-related paraphernalia. The individuals were detained, the gear was seized, and the whaler was destroyed. (4/4/11).
UK – advice re Fukashima accident
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) issued Advice to Mariners, Ports, and Port Authorities following the Accident at Fukashima in Japan. It notes that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised that British Nationals observe an 80 km exclusion zone around the reactors. No remedial measures are required for vessels staying outside the exclusion zone. (4/4/11).
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
© Dennis L. Bryant – April 2011
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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