Headlines:

USCG – safety zones around grain shipment assistance vessels;

USCG – safety zones around grain facilities;

Astoria – RNA proposed;

Washington – floating dock reportedly offshore;

St. Lawrence Seaway – maximum permissible draft;

Indian Ocean – citadel protects crew from pirates;

Indian Ocean – suspected pirates detained;

EC – marine equipment;

Canada – ice navigation in Canadian waters;

India – Maritime Week launched;

Singapore – cancellation of bunkering license;

UK – closure of Clyde MRCC; and

UK – consultation re passenger rights.

December 18, 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. When in doubt, speak louder.

USCG – safety zones around grain shipment assistance vessels

The US Coast Guard promulgated a rule establishing temporary safety zones around four grain shipment assistance vessels while operating on waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and engaged in assistance to grain carriers. The safety zones will remain in effect until 17 January 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 74777 (December 18, 2012).

USCG – safety zones around grain facilities

The US Coast Guard promulgated a rule establishing temporary safety zones on waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers adjacent to the United Grain Corporation facility in Vancouver, Washington and the Columbia Grain Corporation facility in Portland, Oregon. The safety zones will remain in effect until 17 January 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 74781 (December 18, 2012).

Astoria – RNA proposed

The US Coast Guard proposes to establish a permanent regulated navigation area (RNA) in waters of the Youngs Bay PacifiCorp property at Astoria, Oregon to preserve the integrity of an engineered sediment cap. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by 18 March 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 74814 (December 18, 2012).

Washington – floating dock reportedly offshore

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that federal, tribal, state, and local partners are monitoring waters off the Washington coast for a large floating dock that was reported in the area off Grays Harbor on 14 December. The object is reported to be similar to the floating dock that beached in Oregon in July. (12/16/12).

St. Lawrence Seaway – maximum permissible draft

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System issued a notice stating that, effective 26 December, the maximum permissible draft for vessels navigating the Welland Canal section will be reduced to 80.0 dm (26’-3”) for all vessels. The maximum permissible draft for vessels in Montreal-Lake Ontario section will remain unchanged: 80.0 dm (26’-3”) for all vessels, except for inland vessel greater than 185 m in OAL for which the maximum permissible draft will be 80.8 dm (26’-6”). Seaway Notice 15-2012 (12/14/12). Note: My summary of this development in yesterday’s newsletter misstated the new Seaway Notice. Oops.

Indian Ocean – citadel protects crew from pirates

NATO issued a news release stating that pirates from two skiffs attacked and boarded a freighter off the coast of Muscat. The crew sent a distress message and retreated to the vessel’s citadel. A NATO warship arrived on scene within three hours, by which time the pirates had fled. The crew emerged from the citadel unharmed. (12/17/12).

Indian Ocean – suspected pirated detained

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that one of its warships apprehended a skiff in the Indian Ocean with five suspected pirates on board. The suspects are being detained. (12/17/12).

EC – marine equipment

The European Commission (EC) issued a press release stating that it adopted a proposal for a new directive on marine equipment intended to simplify the regulatory environment while reducing costs. (12/17/12).

Canada – Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters

The Canadian Coast Guard recently posted an updated version of its publication Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters. This 165-page document addresses: icebreaking and shipping support services; regulations and guidelines; ice climatology and environmental conditions; navigation in ice-covered waters; and ship design and construction for ice operations. (August 2012).

India – Maritime Week launched

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that India Maritime Week has been launched. (12/17/12).

Singapore – cancellation of bunkering license

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular stating that the bunkering license of a local company has been cancelled due to contravention of terms and conditions. Port Marine Circular 11-2012 (12/17/12).

UK – closure of Clyde MRCC

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that the Clyde Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) will close on 18 December. There will be no reduction in frontline rescue resources. (12/17/12).

UK – consultation re passenger rights

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) posted a notice regarding the recent consultation on the implementation of EU Regulation (EC) 392/2009 giving effect to the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention to create parity for the passenger shipping industry and the rights of passengers. (12/17/12).

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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 – December 2012

Redistribution permitted with attribution