Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–24 August 2011

Commencing 1 September 2011, this Blogspot blog will no longer be updated. Instead, readers should go to the blog on my official website, located at http://brymar-consulting.com/?page_id=6 . I apologize for any inconvenience, but my official website has the same information and more.

Headlines:

USCG – Hurricane Irene;

FEMA – Port Security Grant Program allocations;

Columbia River – removal of barge Davy Crockett;

NOAA – marine mammal stock assessment; and

Seychelles – anti-piracy conference.

August 24, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog clip_image002
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 – Hurricane Irene

clip_image004 The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that Port Condition XRAY has been set for the Ports of Miami and Port Everglades. It issued a second news release stating that Port Condition WHISKEY has been set for the Port of Port Canaveral and a third news release stating that Port Condition WHISKEY has been set for the Ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina as the hurricane approaches. (8/23/11). Note: Copies of the Hurricane and Heavy Weather Plans for the various USCG Sectors are available on my website at: Hurricane Contingency Plans.

FEMA – Port Security Grant Program allocations

clip_image006 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a bulletin announcing the FY 2011 grant program allocations. The allocation this year for the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) is $235,029,000. Information Bulletin No. 370 (8/23/11). Note: The PSGP allocation for FY2010 was $288 million, and for FY2009, it was $388.6 million.

Columbia River – removal of barge Davy Crockett

clip_image007 The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that, on August 25, the final section of the derelict barge Davy Crockett will be removed from the Columbia River near Camas, Washington. (8/22/11).

NOAA – marine mammal stock assessment

clip_image009 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking comments on its draft 2011 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports (SARs). Comments should be submitted by November 22. 76 Fed. Reg. 52940 (August 24, 2011).

Seychelles – anti-piracy conference

clip_image011 The Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the South Asia and Africa Regional Port Stability Cooperative (SAARPSCO) are hosting an anti-piracy conference – Sunrise on the Horizon of the Indian Ocean – in Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles on September 6-9. (8/23/11).

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 – August 2011

clip_image013 Redistribution permitted with attribution

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–23 August 2011

Commencing 1 September 2011, this Blogspot blog will no longer be updated. Instead, readers should go to the blog on my official website, located at http://brymar-consulting.com/?page_id=6 . I apologize for any inconvenience, but my official website has the same information and more.

Headlines:

DOJ – Somali pirates sentenced to life imprisonment;

USCG – Hurricane Irene;

Arthur Kill – RNA;

FAA – underwater locating devices;

NOAA – Marine Operations Center – Pacific dedicated;

USAF – GPS Block IIF satellite;

IMO – WMD – Piracy: orchestrating the response;

Australia – marine occurrences 2005-2010;

Canada – maritime SAR exercise in High Arctic;

Hong Kong – marine works; and

Oman – anchored tanker hijacked.

August 23, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog clip_image002
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.

DOJ – Somali pirates sentenced to life imprisonment

clip_image004 The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that two Somali nationals have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to piracy in the death of four Americans on board the sailing vessel Quest. (8/22/11).

USCG – Hurricane Irene

clip_image006 The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the ports in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have been reopened now that Hurricane Irene was passed through the area. A second news release states that Port Condition WHISKEY has been set for the Ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale as the hurricane approaches. (8/22/11). Note: Copies of the Hurricane and Heavy Weather Plans for the various USCG Sectors are available on my website at: Hurricane Contingency Plans.

Arthur Kill – RNA

clip_image006[1] The US Coast Guard promulgated a temporary interim rule establishing a regulated navigation area (RNA) on certain navigable waters of the Arthur Kill in the Port of New York and New Jersey. This rule is necessary to enhance navigation and safety during drilling, blasting, and dredging operations in support of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) channel deepening project. The RNA will be in effect through April 1, 2014. Comments on this temporary interim rule should be submitted by September 22. 76 Fed. Reg. 52569 (August 23, 2011).

FAA – underwater locating devices

clip_image008 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice announcing the planned revocation of all current Technical Standard Order authorizations (TSOAs) issued for the production of Underwater Locating Devices (Acoustic)(Self-Powered). These actions are necessary because the planned issuance of a new TSOA will increase the minimum operating life of such devices from 30 days to 90 days. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by November 21. 76 Fed. Reg. 52734 (August 23, 2011).

NOAA – Marine Operations Center – Pacific dedicated

clip_image010 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that its new Marine Operations Center – Pacific facility, located in Newport, Oregon, has been dedicated. It will serve as a homeport for four NOAA research and survey ships. (8/20/11).

USAF – GPS Block IIF satellite

clip_image012 The US Air Force (USAF) issued a news release stating that command and control of the second Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIF satellite has been transferred to the USAF 50th Space Wing’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron, following a 30-day on-orbit checkout period. This next-generation satellite will provide improved accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life, and a third civil signal (L5) that will eventually benefit commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications. (8/19/11).

IMO – WMD – Piracy: orchestrating the response

clip_image014 The IMO launched its Action Plan to promote the 2011 World Maritime Day theme “Piracy: orchestrating the response”. The five objectives in promotion of this theme consist of: (1) securing the release of hostages; (2) strengthening the protection of persons, ship, and cargoes; (3) ensuring compliance with adopted measures; (4) promoting cooperation among stakeholders; and (5) building capacity in the affected States. World Maritime Day events are being held worldwide to further this theme. One of the two US observances of this initiative will be the Western Gulf Observance to be held in Port Arthur on September 29.

Australia – marine occurrences 2005-2010

clip_image016 The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) posted its report entitled Australian Shipping Occurrence Statistics 2005 to 2010. A total of 546 marine occurrences were reported to the ATSB during the period. While there were decreases in reported occurrences in 2008 to 2010, the number of serious incidents remained fairly constant. The Western Australian and Queensland coasts had the most marine occurrences. (8/22/11).

Canada – maritime SAR exercise in High Arctic

clip_image018 The Canadian Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans issued a media release stating that the Canadian Coast Guard is leading a maritime search and rescue (SAR) exercise in waters of Strathcona Sound on northern Baffin Island, Nunavut. The exercise is part of Operation Nanook 11, Canada’s annual whole-of-government sovereignty operation in the High Arctic. (8/19/11).

Hong Kong – marine works

clip_image020 The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that, with immediate effect and for a period of approximately eight months, marine works involving dredging operations, laying of water pipeline, and backfilling operations will be carried out from the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre to Tsim Sha Tsui. Mariners should give these operations a wide berth. Marine Notice 87-2011 (8/22/11).

Oman – anchored tanker hijacked

clip_image022 The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the tanker Fairchem Bogey was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates while anchored off Salalah, Oman. The vessel, with its crew of 21, is headed toward the Somali coast. (8/22/11).

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 – August 2011

clip_image024 Redistribution permitted with attribution

Monday, August 22, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–22 August 2011

Commencing 1 September 2011, this Blogspot blog will no longer be updated. Instead, readers should go to the blog on my official website, located at http://brymar-consulting.com/?page_id=6 . I apologize for any inconvenience, but my official website has the same information and more.

Headlines:

Puerto Rico and Florida – Hurricane Irene;

DOJ – alleged Somali hostage negotiator indicted again;

Duluth-Superior – maritime security training exercise;

Tampa – test of small craft intrusion barrier;

USCG – Mariner Credentialing Program List Servers;

BOEMRE – SEIS for Chukchi Sea lease sale;

MARAD – TIGER grant webinar;

Coral Reef Task Force – meeting;

Court – houseboat is a vessel and subject to admiralty jurisdiction;

Australia – navigation safety in vicinity of barges;

Australia – minimizing ship strikes with cetaceans; and

Australia – receipt of Maritime Security Information.

August 22, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog clip_image002
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.

Puerto Rico and Florida – Hurricane Irene

clip_image004 The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that Port Condition ZULU has been set for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as Hurricane Irene passes through. This means that ports in those waters are closed to maritime traffic. (8/21/11). Note: The forecast is for Hurricane Irene to track up the Atlantic coast of Florida on Friday. Vessels and port facilities that may be impacted should review their heavy weather plans and start taking appropriate action now.

DOJ – alleged Somali hostage negotiator indicted again

clip_image006 The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the Somali national who has been indicted for being the hostage negotiator with respect to the hijacked US sailing vessel Quest has now been indicted for being the hostage negotiator with respect to the M/V Marida Marguerite. The Marida Marguerite was hijacked in May 2010. It and its 22 crewmembers were held off the coast of Somalia until December 2010, when a ransom was paid by the owner. The indictment alleges that Mohammad Saaili Shibin negotiated the payment of ransom and received approximately $30,000 to $50,000 from the pirates for his services. (8/18/11).

Duluth-Superior – maritime security training exercise

clip_image004[1] The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that a multi-agency, full-scale maritime security training exercise will be held in the Port of Duluth-Superior on August 24. (8/19/11).

Tampa – test of small craft intrusion barrier

clip_image004[2] The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that a joint maritime security exercise was conducted in the Port of Tampa to test the capabilities of a Small Craft Intrusion Barrier (SCIB). (8/19/11).

USCG – Mariner Credentialing Program List Servers

clip_image004[3] The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a bulletin updating the status of its Mariner Credentialing Program List Server. Interested parties may sign up for one or more of the three available lists. (8/18/11).

BOEMRE – SEIS for Chukchi Sea lease sale

clip_image008 The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a press release stating that it released a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Chukchi Sea Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193. The Final SEIS addresses concerns raised in a federal district court decision, incorporates additional public comment, and includes a new analysis of the environmental impacts of a hypothetical Very Large Oil Spill (VLOS) scenario. (8/19/11).

MARAD – TIGER grant webinar

clip_image010 The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a notice stating that it will conduct a webinar on August 30 to explain TIGER grant opportunities. (8/19/11).

Coral Reef Task Force – meeting

clip_image012 The US Coral Reef Task Force, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will meet in Fort Lauderdale on October 21. 76 Fed. Reg. 51383 (August 22, 2011).

Court – houseboat is a vessel and subject to admiralty jurisdiction

The US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that an undocumented houseboat is a vessel for purposes of admiralty jurisdiction. The 33-page decision involves efforts by a municipal marina to enforce its rules and efforts by the owner of one of the vessel’s at the marina to resist changes in the rules. City of Riviera Beach v. Certain Unnamed Vessel, No. 10-10695 (11th Cir., August 19, 2011).

Australia – navigation safety in the vicinity of barges

clip_image014 The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice reminding seafarers, others involved in the operation of barges, and those engaged in operations in the vicinity of barges, of aspects of the COLREGS which relate to safe operations. Marine Notice 11/2011 (8/19/11).

Australia – minimizing ship strikes with cetaceans

clip_image014[1] The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice providing guidance in reducing the risk of collision with cetaceans (e.g., whales, dolphins, porpoises). Seafarers are reminded that the Australian Whale Sanctuary encompasses all Commonwealth waters from the three nautical mile state waters limit out to the limit of the EEZ. Marine Notice 12/2011 (8/19/11).

Australia – receipt of Maritime Safety Information

clip_image015 The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice reminding masters that all ships transiting NAVAREA X or otherwise approaching the Australian coast should ensure that they can receive all Maritime Safety Information (MSI) necessary for the intended voyage. This generally can be done by configuring the vessel’s Inmarsat-C Enhanced Group Calling (EGC) receivers for the NAVAREA X and coastal warning areas appropriate for the intended voyage. Marine Notice 13/2011 (8/19/11).

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 – August 2011

clip_image017 Redistribution permitted with attribution

Friday, August 19, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–19 August 2011

Commencing 1 September 2011, this Blogspot blog will no longer be updated. Instead, readers should go to the blog on my official website, located at http://brymar-consulting.com/?page_id=6 . I apologize for any inconvenience, but my official website has the same information and more.

Headlines:

US – economic sanctions against Syria;

DOJ – shipping company sentenced for oil pollution cover-up;

USCG – use of LA51 Joint Non-Lethal Warning Munition;

Houston – ship-barge collision;

USCG – Proceedings magazine looks at MTS;

ReCAAP – July monthly report;

India – consideration of new welfare scheme for seafarers;

Panama Canal – restrictions on oil tankers without double hulls; and

UK – aircraft carrier segment under tow.

August 19, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog clip_image002
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.

US – economic sanctions against Syria

clip_image004 President Obama signed an Executive Order imposing economic sanctions against Syria, effective immediately. Supply of services to Syria by any United States person is prohibited, as is the importation of any petroleum or petroleum product of Syrian origin. No United States person may finance or facilitate any transaction by a foreign person that would be prohibited if performed by a United States person. The sanctions are explained in an accompanying Presidential Memorandum. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a notice listing Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) for purposes of this Order. (8/18/11).

DOJ – shipping company sentenced for oil pollution cover-up

clip_image006 The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that a Puerto Rican-based shipping company has been sentenced to pay a penalty of $700,000 and to institute an environmental compliance plan after being found guilty of violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and of making false statements to US Coast Guard inspectors. When the ship’s oily water separator became inoperative, oily waste water was pumped directly overboard and fraudulent entries were made in the oil record book. (8/18/11).

USCG – use of LA51 Joint Non-Lethal Warning Munition

clip_image008 The US Coast Guard is seeking comment on its draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for nationwide use of the LA51 Joint Non-Lethal Warning Munition. The non-lethal 12-gauge munition would be used to augment USCG security and law enforcement missions in US waterways. Each LA51 cartridge is comprised of a pyrotechnic projectile with a pyrotechnic time delay. After firing, the cartridge would airburst approximately 100 meters downrange, with a bright flash and a loud report. Comments should be submitted by 2 September. (8/17/11).

Houston – ship-barge collision

clip_image009 The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that a tanker and a tank barge (being pushed by a towing vessel) collided in the Houston Ship Channel near Pelican Cut. There were no reports of injury or pollution. The tanker reported a breach of its starboard ballast tank. Damage surveys are being conducted. The incident is under investigation. (8/18/11).

USCG – Proceedings magazine looks at MTS

clip_image010 The Summer 2011 edition of the Proceedings of the Marine Safety and Security Council has been posted. This edition focuses on the US Marine Transportation System (MTS) and its value to the nation. It includes a matrix comparison of federal agencies with significant responsibilities for MTS functions. The Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) has published an updated list of maritime transportation-related Federal Advisory Committees. (8/18/11).

ReCAAP – July monthly report

clip_image012 The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued its Monthly Report for July 2011. Nine incidents of piracy or armed robbery of ships (eight actual and one attempted) were reported during the month. This compares with eleven incidents reported during July 2010. (8/18/11).

India – consideration of new welfare scheme for seafarers

clip_image014 The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that the Government is considering introduction of legislation providing for reinforcement of the Monthly Ex-gratia Monitory Assistance (MEMA) Scheme operated by the Seamen’s Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) and introduction of a contributory Annuity Scheme for seafarers. (8/18/11).

Panama Canal – restrictions on oil tankers without double hulls

clip_image016 The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory announcing that, effective December 31, 2012, oil tankers of 600 tons deadweight and over but below 5,000 tons deadweight without double hulls will no longer be allowed to transit the Panama Canal if loaded with oil. In the meantime, such tankers arriving for transit loaded with oil will be assigned extraordinary tug assistance at all locks and through Culebra Cut at the vessel’s expense. Other restrictions apply to Category 2 and 3 tankers and to single-hull tankers of 5,000 tons deadweight and above subject to MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 21. Advisory 17-2011 (8/16/11).

UK – aircraft carrier segment under tow

clip_image018 The Royal Navy issued a news release stating that an 8,000 tonne segment of the HMS Queen Elizabeth is being towed around Scotland from the Clyde to the Forth, where it will join other sections to form the UK’s next aircraft carrier. (8/18/11).

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 – August 2011

clip_image020 Redistribution permitted with attribution

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–18 August 2011

Commencing 1 September 2011, my Blogspot blog will no longer be updated. Instead, readers should go to the blog on my official website, located at http://brymar-consulting.com/?page_id=6 . I apologize for any inconvenience, but my official website has the same information and more.

Headlines:

DOJ – False Claims Act suit filed against shipyards;

BOEMRE – leasing for wind power off RI & MA;

BOEMRE – EA for wind power leasing off RI & MA;

USCG – waiver of citizenship requirements for fishing vessel crew;

FMC – filing of complaint;

DON – nominations for Ocean Research Advisory Panel;

DOT – funding for passenger ferry projects;

MARAD – registration open for WOW Conference;

House – bill introduced re taxation of oil spill damage payments; and

Panama Canal - visibility requirements.

August 18, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog clip_image002
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.

DOJ – False Claims Act suit filed against shipyards

clip_image004 The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that suit has been filed in federal court under the False Claims Act against Ballinger Shipyards Lockport LLC and Halter Bollinger Joint Venture LLC regarding a contract to convert eight Coast Guard patrol boats by extending their hulls and making additional improvements. The suit alleges that the defendants made material false statements to the Coast Guard during the contracting process. (8/17/11).

BOEMRE – leasing for wind power off RI &MA

clip_image006 The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a notice calling for information and nominations for commercial leasing for wind power on the outer continental shelf (OCS) offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Nominations must be postmarked by October 3. 76 Fed. Reg. 51383 (August 18, 2011). The Department of the Interior issued a news release in conjunction with this initiative.

BOEMRE – EA for wind power leasing off RI & MA

clip_image007 The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a notice stating that it intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding commercial wind energy lease issuance and site characterization activities on the Atlantic outer continental shelf (OCS) offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 76 Fed. Reg. 51391 (August 18, 2011).

USCG – waiver of citizenship requirements re fishing vessel crew

clip_image009 The US Coast Guard proposes to add to its regulations a description of the procedures for requesting and processing waivers of citizenship requirements for crewmembers on commercial fishing vessels. The current policy is addressed in a policy letter, which will largely be incorporated into regulations under this proposal. Comments should be submitted by November 16. 76 Fed. Reg. 51317 (August 18, 2011).

FMC – filing of complaint

clip_image011 The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that a complaint has been filed by a group of ocean common carriers against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). Complainants allege that PANYNJ has violated the Shipping Act of 1984 by adopting a “Cargo Facility Charge” which is unlawful because complainants do not receive services commensurate with the fee; because the charge severely and unreasonably prejudices complainants while unduly preferring other users of the port’s facilities; and because the charge and the rules applying it provide for unlawful expulsion of complainants from the port. 76 Fed. Reg. 51367 (August 18, 2011).

DON – nominations for Ocean Research Advisory Panel

clip_image013 The Department of the Navy is soliciting nominations for membership on the Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP). Nominations should be submitted by September 15. 76 Fed. Reg. 51353 (August 18, 2011).

DOT – funding for passenger ferry projects

clip_image015 The Department of Transportation issued a news release announcing grants in excess of $413 million for state highway projects. Some of the projects are for passenger ferries, including $2 million to convert one of the Staten Island ferries to natural gas fuel. (8/17/11).

MARAD – registration open for WOW Conference

clip_image017 The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a news release stating that registration is now open for the fifth annual Women on the Water (WOW) Conference to be held on October 27-29 at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. (8/16/11).

House – bill introduced re taxation of oil spill damage payments

clip_image019 Representative Palazzo (R-MS) introduced a bill (H.R. 2821) to allow damage payments from BP in connection with the blowout and explosion on the offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon to be included in gross income ratably over 3 years. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (8/16/11).

Panama Canal – visibility requirements

clip_image021 The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory reminding customers of visibility requirements for the navigation bridge. Advisory 16-2011 (8/15/11).

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 – August 2011

clip_image023 Redistribution permitted with attribution