Bryant’s Maritime Blog–27 July 2011

Headlines:

USCG – facilities that transfer certain low risk commodities;

Arctic Ocean – SAR exercise;

DHS – supporting USCG Arctic agenda;

Ohio River – security zones proposed;

SHC – meetings;

GMDSS Task Force – meeting;

Senate – bill introduced to restore Gulf coast ecosystems;

Senate – bill introduced to amend Marine Mammal Protection Act;

House – hearing on nuclear terrorism threat;

House – hearing on Coast Guard improvements;

California – proposed amendments to fuel sulfur rule;

EC – proposal for safer and less polluting recreational boats; and

UK – World War II mine detonated safely.

July 27, 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. Searching for the elusive Higgs bison.

USCG – facilities that transfer certain low risk commodities

The US Coast Guard issued a policy letter relieving waterfront facilities from the maritime security requirements of 33 CFR Part 105 if the only oil products they handle are specified low risk commodities and they meet other requirements. The policy change does not apply to vessels. PAC 02-11 (7/26/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

Arctic Ocean – SAR exercise

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it, the US Air Force, the Alaska Air National Guard, and North Slope Borough personnel are conducting a search and rescue (SAR) exercise in the Arctic Ocean off the coast of Barrow, Alaska. (7/25/11).

DHS – supporting USCG Arctic agenda

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a news release highlighting work of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate in support of the Coast Guard’s Arctic agenda. Working groups are focusing on infrastructure, communications, and sensors as they relate to the Arctic. (7/21/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend Louis J. Le Gendre.

Ohio River – security zones proposed

The US Coast Guard proposes to establish fixed and moving security zones around high-capacity passenger vessels and vessels carrying certain dangerous cargo (CDC) while being escorted on the navigable waters of the Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Ohio Valley Zone. Comments on this proposal should be submitted by August 26. 76 Fed. Reg. 44880 (July 27, 2011).

SHC – meetings

The Shipping Coordinating Committee (SHC), sponsored by the Department of State (DOS), will conduct two meetings in Washington, DC. The first meeting, on August 17, is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL 37). Topics on the agenda include formalities connected with the arrival, stay, and departure of persons and ensuring security in and facilitating international trade. The second meeting, on September 6, is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Sub-Committee Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes, and Containers (DSC 16). Topics on the agenda include stowage of water-reactive materials and guidelines for packing of cargo transport units. 76 Fed. Reg. 44977 (July 27, 2011).

GMDSS Task Force – meeting

The GMDSS Task Force will meet in Arlington, Virginia on August 3. (7/26/11).

Senate – bill introduced to restore Gulf coast ecosystems

Senator Landrieu (D-LA) introduced the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 (S. 1400) to restore the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of Gulf Coast States, to create jobs and revive the economic health of communities adversely affected by the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon, and for other purposes. (7/21/11).

Senate – bill introduced to amend Marine Mammal Protection Act

Senator Brown (R-MA) introduced the Marine Mammal Protection Amendment Act of 2011 (S. 1402) to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to increase the maximum penalty for violating that Act. (7/21/11).

House – hearing on nuclear terrorism threat

The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies of the House Committee on Homeland Security conducted a hearing on “The Last Line of Defense: Federal, State, and Local Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism within the United States”. An opening statement was made by Chairman Daniel Lungren (R-CA). Testimony was presented by Mr. Warren Stern, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Carl Pavetto, Department of Energy; Mr. Richard Daddario, New York City Police Department; and Mr. Mark Perez, Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Mr. David Maurer, Government Accountability Office (GAO), testified that gaps in the nuclear detection architecture continue to exist in several areas, including with regard to small marine craft, such as recreational boats and commercial fishing vessels. (7/26/11).

House – hearing on Coast Guard improvements

The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a hearing on “How to Improve Operations and Implement Efficiencies for the US Coast Guard”. Background for the hearing was provided in a Briefing Memo. Testimony was received from Representative Sam Farr (D-CA); VADM John Currier and VADM Brian Salerno, US Coast Guard; and Dr. Holly Bamford, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (7/26/11).

California – proposed amendments to fuel sulfur rule

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued a notice seeking comments on proposed amendments to the state regulations for fuel sulfur and other operational requirements for ocean-going vessels within California waters and 24 nautical miles of the California baseline. Comments must be received by August 9. (7/25/11).

EC – proposal for safer and less polluting recreational boats

The European Commission (EC) issued a press release stating that it is proposing stricter limits for nitrogen oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter emissions for new motor boats, sailing boats, jet skis, and other recreational craft. The proposal also addresses noise emission limits and constructional safety requirements. (7/26/11).

UK – World War II mine detonated safely

The UK Royal Navy (RN) issued a news release stating that it safely detonated a 1,500 pound World War II mine in waters seven mile off the Essex coast. The German mine had been dredged up by a commercial vessel. The controlled explosion created a 300-foot high plume. (7/20/11).

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 – July 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution