Bryant’s Maritime Blog–21 June 2011

Headlines: NYC – indictment involving IRISL; OFAC – Specially Designated Nationals; DHS – OIG report re USCG response boat-medium; FEMA – HSGP M&A costs; NTSB – meeting re Philadelphia barge-duck boat collision; GAO – enhancing maritime domain awareness; California – meeting of Air Resources Board; Washington – PREP drill; Paris MOU & Tokyo MOU – deficiency code lists; Gulf of Aden – pirate attack disrupted; Gulf of Aden – suspected pirates disrupted; Australia – investigation of tug capsizing; Canada – marine simulators; Singapore – privately contracted armed security personnel; and Solstice – 1716 UTC, June 21, 2011.

June 21, 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. The Ship of Theseus sails forever.

NYC – indictment involving IRISL

The New York County District Attorney’s Office issued a news release stating that eleven corporations and five individuals have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy involving the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) in the illegal use of banks in Manhattan to evade US economic sanctions. Defendants are alleged to have used fraudulent records to transfer approximately $60 million through Manhattan banks in violation of those sanctions. (6/20/11).

OFAC – Specially Designated Nationals

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a notice stating that nine maritime companies and three Iranian individuals have been added to the list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs).

DHS – OIG report re USCG response boat-medium

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued the report of its investigation into the Coast Guard’s acquisition project for the response boat-medium. It confirmed the results of a Coast Guard internal investigation which found Anti-Deficiency Act violations for the years 2004 through 2009. The Coast Guard previously reported the violations and has instituted new policies and procedures to ensure compliance with future appropriations. OIG-11-82 (6/20/11).

FEMA – HSGP M&A costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a bulletin stating that grantees under the FY 2011 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) may use up to 5% of their total HSGP allocation for management and administration (M&A) costs. Information Bulletin No. 365 (6/17/11).

NTSB – meeting re Philadelphia barge-duck boat collision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a press release stating that it will meet in Washington, DC on June 21 to discuss the final report of its investigation into the collision of a barge, The Resource, being towed alongside a tugboat, the Caribbean Sea, and a duck tour boat, DUKW 34, on July 7, 2010 in the Delaware River near Philadelphia. (6/20/11).

GAO – enhancing maritime domain awareness

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its report on enhancing maritime domain awareness (MDA). It recommends that the Department of Defense (DOD) develop and implement a strategy with objectives, roles, and responsibilities for MDA; aligns the strategy with DOD’s corporate process; identifies capability resourcing responsibilities; and performs a comprehensive risk-based analysis, including prioritized capability gaps and future investments. GAO-11-621 (6/20/11).

California – meeting of Air Resources Board

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will hold a public meeting in Sacramento on June 23. Among the topics on the agenda are proposed amendments to the regulations for fuel sulfur and other operational requirements for ocean-going vessels within California waters and 24 nautical miles of the California baseline. (6/20/11).

Washington – PREP drill

The Washington State Department of Ecology issued a news release stating that it, the US Coast Guard, and other agencies will conduct a National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) oil spill response drill in Oak Harbor on June 21-23. (6/17/11).

Paris MOU & Tokyo MOU – deficiency code lists

The Paris MOU posted its new Deficiency Code List. The Tokyo MOU posted its Deficiency Code List and announced that its list has been coordinated with the one from the Paris MOU. The two lists come into effect on 1 July. (6/20/11).

Gulf of Aden – pirate attack disrupted

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that, when a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden reported that it was under attack by a pirate skiff, one of the nearby warships dispatched a helicopter. Once under observation by the helicopter, the individuals in the skiff threw most of their paraphernalia over the side. A second warship dispatched a boarding party. The remaining paraphernalia was seized. Due to a lack of evidence, the individuals were returned to Somalia. (6/20/11).

Gulf of Aden – suspected pirates disrupted

The Combined Maritime Forces issued a news release stating that one of its warships intercepted a suspected pirate skiff off the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. As the warship approached, the individuals on the skiff threw overboard all the pirate paraphernalia. (6/19/11).

Australia – investigation of tug capsizing

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) issued a notice stating that it has commenced an investigation into the capsizing and sinking of a tug in Gladstone, Queensland on 11 June 2011 with the loss of one life. (6/20/11).

Canada – marine simulators

Transport Canada issued a news release stating that it has transferred two marine training simulators to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for use at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s. The simulators will be used for the Nautical Science and Marine Engineering diploma programs, as well as to support continuing education and ongoing certification for ships’ deck and engine room officers. (6/17/11).

Singapore – privately contracted armed security personnel

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a Shipping Circular advising owners, operators, and masters regarding interim guidance promulgated by the IMO (MSC.1/Circ.1405) on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board ships in high risk waters. Use of PCASP should not be considered as an alternative to Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other protective measures, but as an additional measure if deemed appropriate. Carriage and use of firearms and ammunition on board Singapore ships is not encouraged given the potential escalation of violence and increased risk of crew injury and fatality. The crew and the PCASP may be liable under Singapore law if they use their arms on board the ship without lawful excuse. (6/10/11).

Solstice – 1716 UTC, June 21, 2011

The Solstice arrives at 1716 UTC on Tuesday, June 21. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, this will be the summer solstice. For those in the southern hemisphere, this will be the winter solstice. For those few in their own hemisphere, good luck!

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 – June 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution