Bryant’s Maritime Blog–10 May 2011

Headlines: IMO – Day of the Seafarer 2011; NOAA – meeting of IOOC DMAC-ST; NRC – meeting of Subcommittee on Fukushima; Indian Ocean – registration before transiting High Risk Area; Indian Ocean – vessel foils pirate attack, but acquires RPG; IMO – preview of MSC session; IHO – survey re quality indicators for chart data; EU – agreement with Liberia re legal origin of wood products; Paris MOU – successful implementation of NIR; Paris MOU – report on CIC re tanker damage stability; Tokyo MOU – Annual Report; Hong Kong – marine works; and Panama Canal – April operations summary.

May 10, 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. “It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” – William Shakespeare.

IMO – Day of the Seafarer 2011

The Day of the Seafarer will be commemorated on June 25, 2011. The event is an opportunity to raise awareness of the vital role Seafarers play in the world economy. It’s also a chance to address the issues facing the modern-day Seafarer, such as piracy. But most importantly, it is an opportunity for us to say: “Thank You, Seafarers!” While one day has been set aside to honor Seafarers, in truth every day is Seafarers Day.

NOAA – meeting of IOOC DMAC-ST

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOCC) Data Management and Communications Steering Team (DMAC-ST) will meet in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 11 and 12. The meeting will be broadcast via a conference call. 76 Fed. Reg. 27019 (May 10, 2011).

NRC – meeting of Subcommittee on Fukushima

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a notice stating that the Subcommittee on Fukushima of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards will meet in Rockville, Maryland on May 26. 76 Fed. Reg. 27103 (May 10, 2011).

Indian Ocean – registration before transiting High Risk Area

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular advising masters of ships transiting or operating in the High Risk Area for piracy attacks in the West Indian Ocean to register with both the UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) and the Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSCHOA). It also notes that the Vessel Movement Registration process with the MSCHOA has recently been amended to include an entry boundary to the North of the High Risk Area (23°N). Shipping Circular 10-2011 (5/9/11).

Indian Ocean – vessel foils pirate attack, but acquires RPG

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the merchant vessel Ital Glamour was attacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean approximately 700 nautical miles east of Salalah, Oman. The attack included the firing of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at the merchant vessel. One of the RPGs landed on the vessel, but did not explode. The attack was foiled by aggressive evasive maneuvering by the master. An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team from an EU NAVFOR warship disposed of the RPG and inspected the vessel. (5/9/11).

IMO – preview of MSC session

The IMO issued a news release providing a preview of the 89th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), which will meet in London on 11-20 May. Topics to be considered include piracy, lifeboat release mechanisms, and LRIT. (5/9/11).

IHO – survey re quality indicators for chart data

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is conducting a survey on the understanding and use of quality indicators for chart data. It is particularly interested in determining how the quality of chart data in S-101 ENCs could be better presented to the mariner. Responses from active mariners are particularly sought. Circular Letter 23-2011 (3/11/11).

EU – agreement with Liberia re legal origin of wood products

The European Commission (EC) issued a press release stating that the EU and Liberia have entered into an agreement providing that, by early 2014, all shipments of wood products to the EU from Liberia will be required to carry a license certifying their legal origin. (5/9/11).

Paris MOU – successful implementation of NIR

The Paris MOU on Port State Control issued a press release stating that introduction of the New Inspection Regime (NIR) has been successfully completed. The NIR is a risk-based targeting mechanism, which rewards quality shipping with a reduced inspection burden and concentrates efforts on high risk ships. (5/9/11).

Paris MOU – report on CIC re tanker damage stability

The Paris MOU on Port State Control issued a report on its 2010 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on tanker damage stability. A total of 1,065 tankers were subject to the CIC. Of these, four were detained for not complying with damage stability requirements. A total of 94 inspections resulted in deficiencies being recorded that directly related to the CIC. (5/9/11).

Tokyo MOU – Annual Report

The Tokyo MOU on Port State Control issued its Annual Report for 2010. The report notes that the Tokyo MOU adopted a strategic plan, describing the group’s vision and the mission to be achieved. The report also notes that, while the vessel detention rate has declined during the past two years, the number of detentions remains high. The Tokyo MOU will continue to devise further actions and measures that can be applied to eliminate substandard ships from the region so as to promote the maritime safety, security, protection of the marine environment, and to ensure living and working conditions onboard. (5/9/11).

Hong Kong – marine works

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that, with effect from 12 May and for a period of approximately six months, marine works for laying a submarine water pipeline from West Kowloon to Sai Ying Pun on Hong Kong Island will be carried out. Mariners should exercise caution when in the vicinity. Marine Notice 44-2001 (5/9/11).

Panama Canal – April operations summary

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory summarizing Canal operations during April. It also includes the schedule for locks maintenance for the remainder of the calendar year. Advisory 9-2011 (5/6/11).

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 – May 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution