Bryant’s Maritime Blog–2 May 2011

Headlines: White House – Osama bin Laden killed; White House – sanctions against Syrian officials; OSHA – shipyard working conditions; EPA & USACE – waters protected by Clean Water Act; GLPAC – meeting; NOSAC – meeting; USCG – charter renewal for PWSRCAC; Liberia – anti-piracy advisory; Indian Ocean – product tanker hijacked by pirates.

May 2, 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.

White House – Osama bin Laden killed

The White House released the remarks of President Obama announcing that Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda terrorist group, was killed during a United States operation in Pakistan. At his direction, members of al Qaeda conducted the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001 in the United States, as well as a number of other attacks worldwide. (5/2/11). Note: Osama bin Laden could be considered the father of the current maritime security program. While this operation and others over the past few years have severely weakened al Qaeda, it is still a loosely-knit group capable for further attacks, particularly in the near future. Remain alert!

White House – sanctions against Syrian officials

President Obama issued an Executive Order imposing economic sanctions against various senior officials with respect to human rights abuses in Syria. Persons subject to US law are prohibited from engaging in economic transactions with the sanctioned officials. (4/29/11). Note: Persons who trade with both Syrian and the United States should exercise caution so as to avoid inadvertent violations of the sanctions.

OSHA – shipyard working conditions

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule revising its standards on general working conditions in shipyard employment. These revisions update existing requirements to reflect advances in industry practices and technology, consolidate some general safety and health requirements into a single subpart, and provide protection from hazards not addressed by existing standards, including the control of hazardous energy. The revisions come into effect on August 1, except for those in § 1915.89 [Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tags-plus)], which come into effect on October 31. 76 Fed. Reg. 24575 (May 2, 2011).

EPA & USACE – waters protected by the Clean Water Act

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are seeking comment on proposed guidance that describes how the agencies will identify waters protected by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), also referred to as the Clean Water Act (CWA). Comments on the proposed guidance should be submitted by July 1. 76 Fed. Reg. 24479 (May 2, 2011).

GLPAC – meeting

The Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (GLPAC), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will meet in Washington, DC on May 20. Topics on the agenda include bridge hour analysis and the methodology used to determine annual pilotage rates. 76 Fed. Reg. 24505 (May 2, 2011).

NOSAC – meeting

The National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will meet in New Orleans on May 19. Topics on the agenda include medical evacuation of injured divers; standards for offshore supply vessels greater than 6000 GT ITC, and USCG requirements for an offshore installation manager. 76 Fed. Reg. 24504 (May 2, 2011).

USCG – charter renewal of PWSRCAC

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it has recertified the charter of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Committee (PWSRCAC). The recertification is effective through February 29, 2012. 76 Fed. Reg. 24506 (May 2, 2011).

Liberia – anti-piracy advisory

The Republic of Liberia, Bureau of Maritime Affairs, issued an advisory providing updates on procedures for vessel registration with the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), reporting to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO), and anti-piracy distress calling for Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Maritime Security Advisory 1/2011 (4/27/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services, Inc.

Indian Ocean – product tanker hijacked by pirates

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the product tanker Gemini was hijacked by pirates approximately 180 nautical miles east of Malindi, Kenya. The condition of the crew of 25 is not known. (5/1/11).

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