Thursday, June 2, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–2 June 2011

Headlines: USCG – DWTF vessel policy; USCG – technical changes to regulations; James River – live-fire exercises; Hawaii – proposed changes to critical habitat for monk seal; EC – transposing MARPOL Annex VI into EU law; Ireland – seismic survey off south coast; and New Zealand – new draft Qualifications and Operational Limits.

June 2, 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.

USCG – DWTF vessel policy

clip_image004 The US Coast Guard issued a Policy Letter providing guidance regarding vessel eligibility for a manning exemption letter to temporarily fill a licensed position with a foreign citizen (excluding the master) on US-flag Distant Water Tuna Fleet (DWTF) vessels if no United States citizens are readily available. The letter also clarifies when a safety examination is required and reiterates certain safety requirements already in effect for DWTF vessels. (5/18/11).

USCG – technical changes to regulations

clip_image005 The US Coast Guard promulgated a rule making various non-substantive changes to Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Navigation and Navigable Waters. The changes come into effect immediately. 76 Fed. Reg. 31831 (June 2, 2011).

James River – live-fire exercises

clip_image005[1] The US Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on waters of the James River in Isle of Wight, Virginia during live-fire gun exercises on board the MV Del Monte. The safety zone will be in effect from 11:00 am, June 6 until 4:00 pm, June 10. 76 Fed. Reg. 31848 (June 2, 2011).

Hawaii – proposed changes to critical habitat for monk seal

clip_image007 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposes to revise the critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal by extending the current designation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands out to the 500-meter depth contour and by designating six new areas in the main Hawaiian Islands. Comments should be submitted by August 31. 76 Fed. Reg. 32025 (June 2, 2011).

EC – transposing MARPOL Annex VI into EU law

clip_image009 The European Commission (EC) released the speech delivered by Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for Environment regarding improving air quality. He reiterated the importance of transposing the IMO air emission rules into EU law as quickly as possible so as to provide a strong enforcement mechanism. (6/1/11).

Ireland – seismic survey off south coast

clip_image011 The Irish Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Sport issued a notice stating that, beginning on or around 24 June and lasting for 3-4 weeks, a seismic survey will be conducted in waters off the south coast of Ireland. Other ships should give the survey vessel and its array a wide berth. Marine Notice 33-2011 (6/1/11).

New Zealand – new draft Qualifications and Operational Limits

clip_image013 Maritime New Zealand issued a media release stating that the new draft Qualifications and Operational Limits (QOL) framework has been released. Further consultation will follow, with a view to implementing the new framework in early 2013. (6/1/11).

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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