Headlines:
MEDMAC – intersessional meeting;
Offshore Virginia – potential wind energy development;
Upper Mississippi River – RNA;
DOE – application to export LNG;
OFAC – sanctions re Iran;
NOAA – members sought for HSRP;
SHC – meeting;
USCG – access policy for individuals awaiting replacement TWICs;
White House – CG&MTA signed into law; and
Court – DWH civil settlement approved.
December 26, 2012
Bryant’s Maritime Blog 
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. When in doubt, speak louder.
MEDMAC – intersessional meeting
The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (MEDMAC), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will conduct an intersessional meeting in Dania Beach, Florida on 8-9 January 2013 to discuss revision of NVIC 04-04:Medical and Physical Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials. 77 Fed. Reg. 75640 (December 21, 2012).
Offshore Virginia – potential wind energy development
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) solicits indications of competitive interest for a research lease in an area of the outer continental shelf (OCS) offshore Virginia for activities that would support future, potential commercial wind energy development. Comments should be submitted by 22 January 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 75656 (December 21, 2012).
Upper Mississippi River – RNA
The US Coast Guard established a regulated navigation area (RNA) on the Upper Mississippi River from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 185.0 due to low water. The RNA is scheduled to remain in effect through 31 March 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 75850 (December 26, 2012).
DOE – application to export LNG
The Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice stating that it received an application from Sempra LNG Marketing for authorization to export previously imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Comments on the application must be submitted by 25 January 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 76013 (December 26, 2012).
OFAC – sanctions re Iran
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a final rule, effective immediately, prohibiting certain transactions by entities owned or controlled by US persons and established or maintained outside the United States and expanding the categories of persons whose property or interest in property are blocked. 77 Fed. Reg. 75845 (December 26, 2012).
NOAA – members sought for HSRP
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks applications for membership on the Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP). Applications should be submitted by 31 January 2013. 77 Fed. Reg. 76001 (December 26, 2012).
SHC – meeting
The Shipping Coordinating Committee (SHC), sponsored by the Department of State (DOS), will meet in Washington, DC on 23 January 2013 to prepare for the next session of the IMO Subcommittee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG). Topics on the agenda include: ballast water management and biofouling. 77 Fed. Reg. 76164 (December 26, 2012).
USCG – access policy for individuals awaiting replacement TWICs
The US Coast Guard issued a policy letter providing for a 30-day extension of access to secure areas for individuals awaiting issuance and activation of Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs). To minimize disruptions to maritime commerce and operations, owners and operators of MTSA-regulated vessels, facilities, and OCS facilities may authorize unescorted access to an individual who has reported his or her TWIC to TSA as lost, damaged, or stolen and has yet to receive a replacement TWIC within seven calendar days, an additional 30 calendar days for a total of 37 calendar days, provided certain conditions are met. CG-FAC Policy Letter 12-04 (12/19/12). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.
White House – CG&MTA signed into law
The White House issued a news release stating that President Barack Obama signed various bills into law, including the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (H.R. 2838). (12/20/12).
Court – DWH civil settlement approved
The US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an Order and Reasons and an Order and Judgment certifying the Property and Economic Settlement Class and granting final approval of the Property and Economic Damages Settlement Agreement in the case of the Oil Spill from the Oil Rig “Deepwater Horizon”. (E.D. La., MDL-2179, December 21, 2012).
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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 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135
USA
1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com
© Dennis L. Bryant – December 2012
Redistribution permitted with attribution
