Headlines:

Washington, DC – proposed security zone;

San Francisco Bay – temporary safety zone;

USCG – LOR for facilities handling LNG and LHG;

NOAA – Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale;

ACIL – meeting;

MMC – meetings;

TSA – renewal of expiring TWICs;

USN – unmanned combat air system;

USCG – Bulk Dry Cargo Residue Reporting Form;

Gulf of Mexico – ROV inspection of DWH wreckage;

New Orleans – contingency planning test;

UN – counter-piracy mission;

Vietnam – hijacked tanker recaptured;

Paris MOU – HAVEP on passenger ships;

EC – software to counter piracy;

India – SPM in Gulf of Kutch;

India – coastal security;

Panama Canal – new Panamax vessel requirements; and

Australia’s first major oil spill – 28 November 1903.

November 28, 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. Facts are the playthings of the devil.

Washington, DC – proposed security zone

The US Coast Guard proposes an amendment to its previously proposed security zone on certain waters of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers during activities associated with the Presidential Inauguration from 15-23 January 2013. This proposal would extend the southern boundary of the proposed security zone. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by 28 December. 77 Fed. Reg. 70964 (November 28, 2012).

San Francisco Bay – temporary security zone

The US Coast Guard promulgated a rule establishing, through 31 July 2013, a temporary safety zone on waters of San Francisco Bay near Yerba Buena Island in support of the Bay Bridge construction project. 77 Fed. Reg. 70891 (November 28, 2012).

USCG – LOR for facilities handling LNG and LHG

The US Coast Guard promulgated a rule clarifying the role and purpose of the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) issued by the USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) regarding the suitability of a waterway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied hazardous gas (LHG) marine traffic. It also establishes a separate process for reconsideration of LORs by the Coast Guard. The final rule comes into effect on 28 December. 77 Fed. Reg. 70886 (November 28, 2012).

NOAA – Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a final rule listing the Main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale district population segment (DPS) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The rule comes into effect on 28 December. 77 Fed. Reg. 70915 (November 28, 2012).

ACIL – meeting

The Advisory Committee on International Law (ACIL), sponsored by the Department of State (DOS), will meet in Washington, DC on 14 December. Topics on the agenda include corporate social responsibility, principles of self-defense, and maritime security. 77 Fed. Reg. 71028 (November 28, 2012).

MMC – meetings

The Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) issued a notice stating that it will meet in Anchorage on 10-12 December to review and seek ways to improve consultations between federal agencies and Alaska Native Tribes. 77 Fed. Reg. 71019 (November 28, 2012). The MMC issued a second notice stating that it will meet in Juneau on 14 December to identify the most pressing marine mammal research and management needs for the purpose of developing a set of national priorities for guiding federal conservation efforts for marine mammals. 77 Fed. Reg. 71018 (November 28, 2012).

TSA – renewal of expiring TWICs

US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston issued a Port Security Information Bulletin relaying a recommendation from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) relating to the renewal of expiring Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs). Due to the high number of TWIC Extended Expiration Date (EED) requests, significant delays are being experienced by TWIC holders attempting to contact the various TSA call centers. TSA is working to add more phone lines and representatives, which may take up to a month to implement. In the meantime, it is requested that TWIC holders refrain from ordering an EED TWIC until the holder’s existing credential falls within four months of the expiration date. PSIB 02-12 (11/21/12). Note: The version of the bulletin posted in yesterday’s newsletter was incorrect. Oops!

USN – unmanned combat air system

The US Navy issued a news release stating that the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) is being tested on board the aircraft carrier USS Truman (CVN 75). The X-47B has a wingspan of more than 62 feet. It is operated via a handheld remote control system and has a range of over 2,000 miles. (11/26/12).

USCG – Bulk Dry Cargo Residue Reporting Form

The US Coast Guard has had to change the fax number for receiving the Bulk Dry Cargo Residue Reporting Form (CG-33) from 202-372-1926 to the new number 202-372-1928. Most companies submit the form electronically or on CD-ROM, but those that sent the form via fax to the old number after 8 October are requested to resend the form to the new number. (11/27/12).

Gulf of Mexico – ROV inspection of DWH wreckage

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it approved a plan submitted by BP and Transocean to proceed with another remotely operated vehicle (ROV) investigation of the Deepwater Horizon wreckage and wellhead site after a sheen was reported by BP on 2 November and later verified by satellite imagery. In addition, the companies have been tasked with developing a comprehensive array of options for the permanent remediation of oil that could still be contained within wreckage in the vicinity. (11/23/12).

New Orleans – contingency planning test

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the Steamboat Natchez, the paddle-wheeler Creole Queen, and the Crescent City Connection ferries in New Orleans will conduct a full-scale exercise on the Mississippi River near Algiers Point on 28 November to test shipboard safety management and contingency plans (SSMCPs) and to clarify roles and responsibilities of local, state, and federal responders. (11/26/12).

UN – counter-piracy mission

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issue a news release stating that Executive Director Yury Fedotov visited various East African nations. He stated, in pertinent part, “If we are to counter piracy, we must break-up the criminal groups, identify and isolate the ringleaders and financiers, and disrupt their cash shipments through coordinated police and border work.” (11/23/12). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

Vietnam – hijacked tanker recaptured

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued an Incident Report stating that the tanker Zafirah was hijacked by pirates off Con Son Island, Vietnam on 19 November. On 20 November, the tanker’s crew were found and rescued by a local fishing vessel. On 22 November, a Vietnam Marine Police Special Task Force boarded the tanker and apprehended eleven suspected pirates. The tanker had been renamed and had a different IMO number. The successful outcome demonstrated the significance of information sharing and collaboration. (11/26/12)

Paris MOU – HAVEP on passenger ships

The Paris MOU issued a press release stating that, effective 1 January 2013, it will launch the Harmonized Verification Programme (HAVEP) on operational controls on passenger ships. The main purpose of the HAVEP, which will run through 31 December 3013, is to verify that: (a) in the event of a shipboard emergency the crew can organize themselves into an effective team to tackle the emergency; (b) the officers and crew can communicate effectively with each other and with shore-based support and rescue services; (c) the master is in control and information is flowing to/from the command center; and (d) in the event of the situation getting out of hand the crew and passengers can safely abandon the ship. (11/26/12).

EC – software to counter piracy

The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) issued a press release stating that it developed prototype software identifying ship positions in real-time for use by Kenya and other nations for countering piracy in the region. The software integrates data from vessel reporting and earth observation systems into a single maritime picture, taking into account a wide array of available data sources. (11/22/12).

India – SPM in Gulf of Kutch

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that approval has been given for development of single point mooring (SPM) and allied facilities for the import of crude oil off Veera in the Gulf of Kutch. (11/22/12).

India – coastal security

The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a press release stating that Joint Operation Centers are being established and joint operational exercises are being conducted among the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Coastal State Police, Customs, and others to provide increase coastal and maritime security. (11/26/12).

Panama Canal – new Panamax vessel requirements

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory reminding stakeholders of the definitions and requirements applicable to all vessels intending to transit the new locks at the Panama Canal. Advisory 28-2012 (11/23/12). Note: This advisory is of import to designers, builders, owners, and operators of vessels seeking to take maximum advantage of the new larger locks.

Australia’s first major oil spill – 28 November 1903

The first recorded major oil spill in Australia (1,300 tons) occurred on 28 November 1903 when the tanker Petriana grounded on Portsea Back Beach in Port Phillip Bay. The tanker was carrying 1,330 tons of bulk oil from Borneo to Melbourne, as well as an unrecorded quantity of naphtha and benzene. The pilot decided to bring the ship into port in poor visibility, expecting the fog to lift before the ship reached the notorious Rip at the bay’s entrance. The fog did not lift and the ship grounded hard. When salvage attempts failed, the bulk oil was pumped overboard to lighten the ship. This too failed and the wreck was finally abandoned. Illustrating how times have changed, the press reports of the oil jettison described “a film of great beauty, radiating all the colours of the rainbow.” There were also difficulties when the crew of Chinese and Malay descent abandoned the ship. They were prohibited from landing ashore by Australian law of that era.

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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 – November 2012

Redistribution permitted with attribution