Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–14 June 2011

Headlines: DOE – meeting re offshore renewable energy; FMC – inquiry re China Bond Rider; USCG – members sought for NBSAC; USCG – ISO Supervisory Marine Inspector; BOEMRE – strengthening offshore inspection program; North Carolina – force protection exercise; USCG – mooring line operational safety; OMB – implementation of STCW amendments; and Somalia – pirates release tanker.

June 14, 2011

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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. The Ship of Theseus sails forever.

DOE – meeting re offshore renewable energy

clip_image004 The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice stating that it will host a public meeting in Arlington, Virginia on June 23 and 24 to obtain information on existing needs for acquiring meteorological and oceanographic information to support cost-effective deployment of offshore renewable energy plants, particularly wind and marine hydrokinetic (MHK) technologies. DOE is particularly interested in forecasting; energy projections/performance monitoring; technology design and validation; facility design; and operations planning/site safety. 76 Fed. Reg. 34684 (June 14, 2011).

FMC – inquiry re China Bond Rider

clip_image006 The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Notice of Inquiry stating that it is soliciting public comment on the Proposal from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Transport to amend the financial responsibility requirements of the China Bond Rider. The PRC proposal seeks to adjust the amount of the supplemental bond required of US NVOCCs doing business in the PRC to account for changes in the US-PRC exchange rate since the amount (in US currency) was established in 2003. Comments should be submitted by July 15. (6/10/11).

USCG – members sought for NBSAC

clip_image008 The US Coast Guard seeks applications for membership on the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC). Applications should be received by August 15. 76 Fed. Reg. 34738 (June 14, 2011).

USCG – ISO Supervisory Marine Inspector

clip_image008[1] The US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston is in search of qualified applicants for the position of Supervisory Marine Inspector (GS-1801-13). There is one Job Announcement for Merit or Status Candidates and a second Job Announcement for all other US citizens. The solicitation is open through June 27. (6/13/11).

BOEMRE – strengthening offshore inspection program

clip_image010 The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a press release stating that it is strengthening the offshore inspection program. It will begin using multiple-person inspection teams for offshore oil and gas inspections. It also recently established the National Offshore Training Center. (6/13/11).

North Carolina – force protection exercise

clip_image011 The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that on June 15, members of the US Army, North Carolina National Guard, and US Coast Guard will conduct a force protection exercise with other federal, state, and local response agencies at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina. (6/13/11).

USCG – mooring line operational safety

clip_image011[1] The USCG Sector Houston-Galveston issued a Marine Safety Alert reminding mariners and operators of the inherent dangers involved in line-handling operations. During the past two years, the sector has investigated two deaths and nine injuries related to line-handling. (5/26/11). Note: The link utilized in yesterday’s newsletter sometimes failed. This one should work.

OMB – implementation of STCW amendments

clip_image013 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has cleared the Coast Guard’s draft Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) relating to Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the STCW Convention. The SNPRM should be published in the Federal Register in about a month. (6/6/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my friend Richard Wells of the Offshore Marine Service Association.

Somalia – pirates release tanker

clip_image015 The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the crude oil tanker ZIRKU and its crew of 29 have been released from pirate control off the coast of Somalia. The ship was hijacked on March 28 in the Gulf of Aden. (6/13/11).

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

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – June 2011

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