Headlines:
USCG – approval of classification societies;
USCG – Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound;
Willamette River – RNA proposed;
House – bill introduced re pollutant discharge permits;
House – bill introduced re assessment of seabed minerals;
EC – SUMO software package;
Maldives & Seychelles – Protocol on Cooperation to Combat Piracy;
Panama Canal – July operations summary;
Panama Canal – maintenance work;
UK – tanker and yacht collide; and
Senate – unanimous consent.
August 8, 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. Remembering the future.
USCG – approval of classification societies
The US Coast Guard is reopening, through September 6, the period within which to submit comments on its proposed rule regarding approval of classification societies. 76 Fed. Reg. 47531 (August 5, 2011).
USCG – Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound
The US Coast Guard is seeking comments on its preliminary study recommendations of a Port Access Route Study (PARS) evaluating the continued applicability of and need for modifications to the current vessel routing measures in the Waters of Montauk Channel and Block Island Sound. Comments should be submitted by October 4. 76 Fed. Reg. 47529 (August 5, 2011).
Willamette River – RNA proposed
The US Coast Guard proposes to establish a regulated navigation area (RNA) on portions of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. The purpose of the RNA is to protect an underwater hazardous waste site from disturbance. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 7. 76 Fed. Reg. 48070 (August 5, 2011).
House – bill introduced re pollutant discharge permits
Representative Gary G. Miller (R-CA) introduced the Sunshine on Conflicts Act of 2011 (H.R. 2765) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the requirement that permit applications for the discharge of pollutants be approved by disinterested board members, and for other purposes. (8/1/11).
House – bill introduced re assessment of seabed minerals
Delegate Faleomavaega (D-AS) introduced a bill (H.R. 2803) to direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, to conduct a technological capability assessment, survey, and economic feasibility study regarding recovery of minerals, other than oil and natural gas, from the shallow and deep seabed of the United States. Official text of the bill has not yet been posted. (8/5/11).
EC – SUMO software package
The European Commission Joint Research Centre (EC JRC) issued a press release stating that it has developed the software package SUMO (Search for Unidentified Marine Objects). It is a tool for the automatic detection and identification of ships based on satellite images. SUMO may be of use in identifying ships at sea associated with pollution incidents. (8/5/11).
Maldives & Seychelles – Protocol on Cooperation to Combat Piracy
The Government of the Maldives issued a press release stating that President Mohamed Nasheed and President of Seychelles James Michel signed a Protocol on Cooperation to Combat Piracy and other Maritime Security Threats. (8/5/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.
Panama Canal – July operations summary
The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory summarizing canal operations for the month of July. It also includes the schedule of locks maintenance work for the remainder of the calendar year. Advisory 14-2011 (8/5/11).
Panama Canal – maintenance work
The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory stating that the east lane at Gatun Locks will be out of service for maintenance from 2000 hours, August 10 to 2200 hours, August 11 and from 2000 hours, August 17 to 2200 hours, August 18. The west lane at Pedro Miguel Locks will be unable due to dredging in the vicinity from 0001 hours, August 11 through 0001 hours, August 14. As a result, Transit Reservation System (TRS) Condition 2 will be in effect from August 11 through August 13 and on August 18. Advisory 15-2011 (8/5/11).
UK – tanker and yacht collide
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that a tanker and a yacht collided of the Isle of Wight. Two people from the yacht were thrown into the water and the yacht lost its mast and rigging. The two people thrown into the water have been rescued. (8/6/11). Note: Unofficial reports indicate that the yacht was engaged in a race, but was the give-way vessel in this situation.
Senate – unanimous consent
The United States Senate demonstrated that it can be highly efficient, when deemed necessary. As the Washington Post said of events that occurred at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5: “Employing the so-called “unanimous consent” procedure which took less than 30 seconds, two senators were present to approve a House-passed bill extending FAA’s operating authority through mid-September. Democratic Sen. James Webb of Virginia stood up, called up the bill and asked that it be passed. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., the presiding officer, agreed and it was done.” This 59-second process took place while the other 98 Senators were back home or otherwise out of Washington, DC. One member of the House of Representatives, on the other side of the Capitol Building, was conducting pro forma business. The obvious question raised by this turn of events is whether the Legislative Branch is significantly larger than necessary. With fewer members, there would be fewer debates. A reduction in size of Congress and its staff would also reduce the federal deficit. A win-win situation.
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 – August 2011
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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