Headlines:

Puerto Rico – explosion on container ship;

Upper Mississippi River – temporary safety zone;

Narragansett Bay – temporary safety zone;

Court – misappropriation of trade secrets;

Singapore – reminder re North American ECA;

Singapore – Resolutions adopted by MEPC 63; and

UK – wreck removal completed.

May 14, 2012

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. It’s always darkest before it isn’t.

Puerto Rico – explosion on container ship

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is responding to a distress call from the container ship MSC Idil, which reported an explosion on board while approximately 60 nautical miles north of San Juan. There are no reports of injuries, but the ship is listing and taking on water. There have been no reports of pollution, but there is a potential for release of hazardous materials. A commercial salvage team is en route. (5/12/12).

USCG – Designated Examiner Program

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a notice stating that it has launched a new customer service tool on its website that covers the basics of the Designated Examiner (DE) Program. The tool includes the ability to verify the qualifications of a DE, using a simple search function. (5/3/12).

Upper Mississippi River – temporary safety zone

The US Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone on the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) between Mile 183.0 and 183.5 during repairs to the Merchants Bridge. The safety zone is expected to remain in effect through December 31. 77 Fed. Reg. 28255 (May 14, 2012).

Narragansett Bay – temporary safety zone

The US Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone on waters of the East Passage of Narragansett Bay during Americas Cup World Series sailing vessel racing events. The safety zone will be in effect between June 13 and July 1. 77 Fed. Reg. 28253 (May 14, 2012).

Court – misappropriation of trade secrets

In an unpublished decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that, where the US Navy has allegedly misappropriated trade secrets by disclosing to plaintiffs’ vessel designs to potential competitors, eh action properly sounds in contract rather than tort. In the instant case, plaintiffs contracted with the US Navy to design and construct special operations craft. The contract and designs contained limited rights provisions prohibiting the Navy from disclosing the information to third parties. The Navy disclosed many of the design features to potential competitors and plaintiffs sued in federal district court for misappropriation of trade secrets. After the district court found in favor of the plaintiffs, the Navy appealed, contending that, if a harm was committed, it was breach of contract. The appellate court reversed, ruling that the harm was a breach of contract and that, under the Tucker Act, jurisdiction properly was with the US Court of Federal Claims. United States Marine, Inc. v. United States, No.

Singapore – reminder re North American ECA

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular reminding owners, operators, and masters that requirements of the North American Emissions Control Area (ECA) come into effect on 1 August. Shipping Circular 10-2012 (5/11/12).

Singapore – Resolutions adopted by MEPC 63

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular regarding Resolutions adopted during the 63rd session of the IMO Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 63). Shipping Circular 9-2012 (5/11/12).

UK – wreck removal completed

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that operations to remove the wreck of the cargo ship CARRIER, which grounded on the North Wales coast on April 3, have been completed. (5/11/12).

Join our mailing list

If you are not receiving our almost daily electronic newsletter and would like have it sent directly to your email inbox, please right-click the box below and provide your email address.

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 – May 2012

Redistribution permitted with attribution