Headlines: USCG – legal issues re DP vessels; DOJ – freight ship operator charged with pollution offenses; Columbia River – deconstruction of the Davy Crockett continues; CBP – Small Vessel Reporting System; Senate – bill introduced to promote secure ferry transportation; CRS – piracy off the Horn of Africa; EMSA – Member States’ HNS policies & capabilities; India – UN-mandated grouping needed to combat piracy; Mediterranean Sea – Gaza Maritime Area; and UK – new RN ice patrol ship.
May 26, 2011
Bryant’s Maritime Blog 
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 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.
USCG – legal issues re DP vessels
The US Coast Guard promulgated an Opinion Letter relating to potential legal issues associated with vessels employing dynamic positioning (DP) systems. The letter was prepared in light of, but does not directly relate to, the MODU Deepwater Horizon incident. It concludes that under current law and regulation, a watercraft operating with a DP system is an underway, self-propelled vessel and is subject to all the regulatory requirements of traditional vessels. While operating in the DP mode, the vessel cannot be considered “on location”. The letter recommends that the Coast Guard clarify the status of DP vessels in its regulations to better address this evolving technology. (2/11/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend Alan Spackman of the International Association of Drilling Contractors.
DOJ – freight ship operator charged with pollution offenses
The Department of Justice issued a press release stating that a Miami company, operator of the freight ship Titan Express, has been charged with oil pollution, failure to maintain an accurate oil record book, and failing to submit reports regarding ballast water management. (5/19/11).
Columbia River – deconstruction of the Davy Crockett continues
The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that deconstruction of the deck barge Davy Crockett continues. The hulk is located on the north shore of the Columbia River near Camas, Washington. (5/24/11).
CBP – Small Vessel Reporting System
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a news release stating that it is making available a new Small Vessel Reporting System for use along the northern border of the United States and in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. For registered boaters, it will expedite the entry process. Plans call for expanding the process nationwide in coming months. (5/24/11).
Senate – bill introduced to promote secure ferry transportation
Senator Murray (D-WA) introduced the United States Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2011 (S. 980) to promote secure ferry transportation and for other purposes. (5/12/11).
CRS – piracy off the Horn of Africa
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued an updated report on piracy off the Horn of Africa. The report reviews the current situation and its impact, the various governmental responses, and policy options that Congress might consider. R40528 (4/27/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.
EMSA – Member States’ HNS policies & capabilities
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) released its Inventory of EU Member States’ policies and operational response capabilities for HNS marine pollution 2010. (5/25/11).
India – UN-mandated grouping needed to combat piracy
The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a press release stating that, while India will continue to work with all Navies operating in the Gulf of Aden to combat piracy, it will become a member of an international grouping only under a UN mandate. (5/25/11).
Mediterranean Sea – Gaza Maritime Area
The USCG Navigation Center (NAVCEN) issued a Special Notice stating that the Israeli Navy is enforcing a blockade in the “Gaza Maritime Area” in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. US vessels and mariners intending to enter the area are likely to face enforcement action. (5/25/11).
UK – new RN ice patrol ship
The Royal Navy issued a news release stating that its new ice patrol ship HMS Protector entered the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for fitting of gun mountings and other equipment. The exploration/research support ship was designed to operate in any waters from the Antarctic to the tropics. She is on a three-year charter from a Norwegian commercial shipping company. Her previous name was MV Polarbjørn. (5/24/11).
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 – May 2011
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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