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Click here to view the embedded video.

Yesterday we showed you maps of the tsunami created by the February 27th 8.8 magnitude Chilean earthquake.  Today we follow up with a collection of videos of the actual tsunami as it reached shores along the Pacific.  All videos are aggregated by the International Tsunami Information Centre.

An International Post-Tsunami Field Survey is being coordinated by UNESCO Santiago, ITIC, and local scientists.  This Survey will officially start on Monday, March 8.  For more information contact the ITIC Director, Laura Kong (l.kong@unesco.org)

The 27 February 2010 magnitude 8.8 Chilean earthquake and tsunami caused damage and over 700 deaths in the coastal regions of central Chile. Following the earthquake, the NOAA Tsunami Warning Centers issued warnings for locations all over the Pacific from Antarctica to Seward, Alaska. As a result of the warnings, although tsunami waves of between 3-6 feet and strong currents were observed in many locations, no lives were lost outside of the epicentral region.  Unfortunately, lives were lost due to the tsunami in Pelluhue and Dichato in central Chile and on Robinson Crusoe Island located near the epicenter. The highest tsunami amplitudes, of several meters, were observed in the Juan Fernandez Islands and Talcahuano, Chile. Information is still being gathered and assessed.

According to the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC, http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/) Global Historical Event databases, this is the largest instrumental earthquake observed in Chile since the 1960 magnitude 9.5 Valdivia earthquake and tsunami that killed over 1,200 people, including 60 deaths in Hawaii.  Globally, this is the 6th largest instrumental earthquake and one of 280 deadly tsunamis.

Above video:

UH-Hilo professional tripod footage, edited. Wailoa Pond ducks riding waves at 3:13. Time-lapse of (1)Breakwall (2)Wailuku River (3)Coconut Island (4)Wailoa Pond. Covering 11:00 am until 6:30 pm, scenes include Civil Defense, Ponahawai onlookers, logs being carried upriver, & Honolii deserted. Note high-water lines at Bayfront & Suisan. Videographer: Darcy Bevens. For more information about tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, visit our web site at
http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~nat_haz/

Click here to view the embedded video.

Above:  Tributary Quickly Reverses Direction After Hilo “Tsunami” Surge

Click here to view the embedded video.

Above: The fifth small wave to pass through the Heathcote & Avon estuary at Christchurch NZ Occurred at 1750 (local time) 28.02.2010 more than 5 thousand miles from the coast of Chile.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Above:  Video of first 3 hours of tsunami inundation at small boat basin entrance of Crescent City harbor (CA). Tsunami produced by M8.8 offshore Chile earthquake.

Note, the tsunami is not a wall of water but a series of long period waves, seen here as strong shifting currents in and out of the small boat basin. The surging and waning portions of the tsunami are about 15 minutes apart. This small boat basin typically has little or no current across the entrance.

A complete list of resources, including additional videos, photos and graphics can be found at the ITIC’s website HERE.

By Steve Sternberg, USA TODAY

The U.S. Navy hospital ship Comfort pulled up anchor Tuesday in Port-au-Prince and began the long trip home to Baltimore, ending its role in Operation Unified Response-Haiti.

The ship’s departure brings to a close a dramatic naval mission launched three days after the Haitian earthquake Jan. 12, when the ship’s crew ended scheduled maintenance midway and set sail to provide medical relief to a nation whose hospitals and clinics lay in ruins.

From Jan. 19 to Feb. 27, doctors treated nearly 1,000 patients, performed 843 surgeries, carried out 37 amputations, repaired dozens of bone fractures and delivered nine babies, says Capt. James Ware, the ship’s commanding officer. By late February, Ware says in an e-mail, the Haitian government began working with the Pan American Health Organization and other groups to improve the medical care on shore “with the ambition of building back to pre-earthquake medical levels.”

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor says the time has come to call the Comfort home. “The doctors on the USNS Comfort did a heroic job treating patients following the earthquake in Haiti and provided essential short-term support, but the Comfort is not a long-term solution,” he says.

• Keep Reading
• gCaptain’s full coverage of Haiti Earthquake

By Scott Eden

NEW YORK (TheStreet) — About half a decade after the first maritime shipping concerns sold shares to the public on U.S. stock exchanges, another fleet of IPOs is preparing to set sail into the capital markets of New York.

Kicking it off on Wednesday is the expected pricing of two new issues — an owner of dry-bulk vessels called Baltic Trading and an oil-tanker outfit called, straight-forwardly enough, Crude Carriers.

Both names have established provenances. Baltic, which will trade under the symbol BALT, was formed by Peter Georgiopoulos, the impresario behind the tanker operator General Maritime(GMR) (the first shipping company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange, back in 2001), as well as the dry-bulk ship owner Genco Shipping & Trading(GNK) and the ship-fuel transporter Aegean Marine(ANW).

Crude Carriers, which will trade under the ticker CRU, was formed by Capital Maritime & Trading, a privately held Greek company that owns and manages tankers as well as dry-bulk carriers. Capital Maritime is the baby of Evangelos Marinkais, who also took public Capital Product Partners(CPLP) in 2007 on Nasdaq. Capital Product owns 19 of the kind of tankers that carry wet cargoes other than petroleum, known in the industry as “product tankers.”

Yet another shipper filed a prospectus in February: Scorpio, an Italian shipping group, hopes to float shares of its fleet of three Panamax chemical tankers under the name Scorpio Tankers.

Some observers have wondered at the timing of this latest IPO push. The first wave occurred during boom times, when global trade was brisk and shipping rates high. Not so in early 2010; only a year ago, the marine transport business had fallen to its lowest ebb in decades. Rates cratered and share prices in the sector have yet to recover.

• Keep Reading
• Baltic Trading shipping IPO dips in NYSE debut

Headlines: Somalia – hijacked vessel arrives at pirate stronghold; Freeport, Texas – security zone; Sparrows Point LNG Terminal – revised draft final general conformity determination; Reedsport, Oregon – proposed wave energy project; OFAC – Cuban Assets Control Regulations; NOAA – proposal to revise marine mammal permit regulations; USCG – single voyage load line authorizations; USCG – requesting a USCG Traveling Examination Team; EPA – assessments of Hudson River dredging; FMC – ocean carrier and intermediaries pay $625,000 in settlements; NTSB – fatigue endangers workers and passengers; Senate – bill introduced to expand offshore wind credits; House – bill introduced to protect and restore the Great Lakes; Panama Canal – February operations summary; UK – WWII mine found in Portland Harbour; and Caution – earthquake moved Chile.

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. An above-average newsletter.

Somalia – hijacked vessel arrives at pirate stronghold

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that the chemical tanker UBT Ocean, which was hijacked on March 5, has arrived off the pirate stronghold of Haradere, Somalia. (3/9/10).

Freeport, Texas – security zone

The US Coast Guard is establishing a permanent security zone in waters of the LNG Basin at the port of Freeport, Texas. The security zone comes into effect on April 9. 75 Fed. Reg. 11000 (March 10, 2010).

Sparrows Point LNG Terminal – revised draft final general conformity determination

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice stating that it prepared a revised draft Final General Conformity Determination (GCD) to assess potential air quality impacts associated with construction and operation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and natural gas pipeline proposed by AES Sparrows Point LNG, LLC and Mid-Atlantic Express, LLC. Comments on the draft GCD should be submitted by March 31. 75 Fed. Reg. 11169 (March 10, 2010).

Reedsport, Oregon – proposed wave energy project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice stating that it received an application for construction and operation of a wave energy project in waters of the Pacific Ocean approximately 2.5 miles off the coast near Reedsport, Oregon. The project would include ten wave-powered generating units attached to seabed anchors, tendon lines, subsurface floats, and catenary mooring lines. Coping meetings will be held in Reedsport (April 7) and Salem (April 8). 75 Fed. Reg. 11169 (March 10, 2010).

OFAC – Cuban Assets Control Regulations

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (FERC) has amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to implement a recent statutory enactment interpreting the term “payment of cash in advance” with respect to payment or financing terms for authorized exports from the United States to Cuba. The amendment comes into effect immediately. 75 Fed. Reg. 10996 (March 10, 2010).

NOAA – proposal to revise marine mammal permit regulations

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a notice stating that it intends to prepare an environmental assessment to analyze potential environmental impacts of a proposed rule to revise federal regulations relating to marine mammal special exception permit requirements. Comments should be submitted by May 10. 75 Fed. Reg. 11130 (March 10, 2010).

USCG – single voyage load line authorizations

The US Coast Guard issued a policy letter providing clarification on the issuance of single voyage load line authorizations, particularly regarding what is meant by the term “exceptional circumstances”. Regulations provide that a vessel that does not usually engage in domestic voyage by sea may, in exceptional circumstances, be issued a single voyage load line authorization by the Coast Guard stating the conditions under which the voyage may be made and any additional safety measures required for the voyage. This policy letter provides internal guidance on the meaning of exceptional circumstances. (3/4/10).

USCG – requesting a USCG Traveling Examination Team

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a notice explaining how to request a Traveling Examination Team (TET) to provide qualified merchant mariners located in regions of considerable distance from a Regional Examination Center (REC) with the ability to take required examinations without having to travel. There must be a group of at least 20 applicants in one location, which must be at least 150 miles from the nearest REC. In addition, the TET request must include a letter of undertaking (LOU) providing for the reimbursement of Coast Guard expenses associated with travel to the remote site. (3/8/10).

EPA – assessments of Hudson River dredging

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that the first phase of dredging PCB-contaminated sediment in the upper Hudson River has been completed. Separate technical assessments of the effectiveness of the dredging have been prepared by the EPA and the General Electric Corporation. These assessments have been submitted to a panel of independent scientific experts for review. (3/8/10).

FMC – ocean carrier and intermediaries pay $625,000 in settlements

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a news release stating that agreements were reached with an ocean carrier and three intermediaries for payment of a total of $625,000 in settlement of alleged violations of the Shipping Act of 1984. (3/9/10).

NTSB – fatigue endangers workers and passengers

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a news release encouraging the sleep research and healthcare community to continue their efforts to educate transportation policy makers of the dangers of fatigue in all modes of transportation. (3/5/10).

Senate – bill introduced to expand offshore wind credits

Senator Carper (D-DE) introduced a bill (S. 3062) to extend credits related to the production of electricity from offshore wind, and for other purposes. (3/3/10).

House – bill introduced to protect and restore the Great Lakes

Representative Ehlers (R-MI) introduced the Great Lakes Ecosystem Protection Act of 2010 (H.R. 4775) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Among the priorities cited in the bill is the prevention of invasive species. (3/4/10).

Panama Canal – February operations summary

The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory summarizing Canal operations for the month of February. It includes the schedule of locks maintenance work for the remainder of the fiscal year. Advisory 04-2010 (3/4/10).

UK – WWII mine found in Portland Harbour

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that a one-ton German parachute mine dating from World War II has been found on the seabed in the middle of Portland Harbour. The mine was found by a survey vessel during a routine shoreline survey. It was lifted from the water, but carefully replaced when it was realized what the item was. A military explosive ordnance disposal team is preparing to dispose of the mine in deeper water. (3/9/10).

Caution – earthquake moved Chile

There are unofficial reports that the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile last month has moved parts of the nation. The city of Conception may have moved as much as ten feet to the west, while Santiago may have moved eleven inches to the west-southwest. Even areas outside Chile, including the Falkland Islands and Brazil, may have been affected. As yet, there are no reports of elevation changes, but mariners navigating waters in and around Chile should exercise caution until definitive new surveys are done. The 1964 earthquake in Alaska caused significant elevation changes, particularly at Kodiak Island, and resulted in a number of groundings until charts could be updated.

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 – March 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution

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This post is brought to us by Peter Mello of Sea-fever.org (via NOAA), in two seperate installments.  The first post a map of Ocean Energy Distribution Map from Chile Earthquake Tsunami (shown above).  Peter writes:

8.2-foot tsunami wave expected to strike Hilo, Hawaii 11:05 a.m. local time (4:05 p.m. ET) according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Tsunami advisory extended to Oregon, Washington, parts of Alaska, coastal British Colombia by West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center

Here is the map of the Chilean earthquake and aftershocks from the USGS.

Peter then follows up with the following;

This post of NOAA’s Wave Energy Distribution Map (computer modeled) was a very popular Sea-Fever post over the weekend.

If you think that graphic was impressive, the below animation will definitely rock your boat.

This YOUblog featured article was submitted by one of gCaptain’s top contributors, Ordinaryseaman, otherwise known as Anthony, who was recently accepted to PMI’s Workboat Mate Program.

–

Howdy everyone!

For those who don’t know, PMI and their sister school MITAGS offer an excellent program for entry level and experienced mariners to obtain a mate’s license aboard tugs, research vessels, OSV’s, and small cruise ships. The 2 year program alternates classroom training and working aboard vessels in a format that lets you get your mate’s license in much less time – and for much less money – than the typical “hawsepipe” system of working your way up the ladder. More information can be found at www.workboatacademy.com

This is the first post in a series detailing my experiences as a cadet at Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle Washington. My hope is to give those considering becoming a cadet some insight into what it’s like to be a cadet. I will try to post as often as my tight schedule of school, studying, and working a night job allows. Feel free to PM or email me with any questions you may have – Anthony

–

Today was my my first day as a cadet in the “workboat academy” cadet program at Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, Washington. Just last Friday I was sitting at my computer back home in Colorado. I got a message from gCaptain.com forum member “danzante“- whose alter ego is Jill Russell, PMI’s operations manager. She asked If I wanted to be in the program. I responded-absolutely!  Then she asked if I could be in Seattle, ready to go first thing Monday morning!  PMI – and Jill and Marjah in particular – bent over backwards to help me get in on short notice – thanks!

I’ve worked on ships since 2006- starting as a dishwasher and moving up to deckhand. All the while I’d been looking for a way to get the training I need to become a mate, then captain, without going to a 4 year academy.

In life opportunities are often available for only a minute. I didn’t have have money for tuition, a ticket to Seattle, or a place to stay. What I did have was a STRONG desire to succeed- whatever the price.

I had enough money for my ticket, and a few night at the hostel- which I bought immediately. After making a few calls and selling a few of my things- I had my first quarter’s tuition and living expenses. (Raised an additional $1500 today as well) I found a free bunk near PMI by trading work for lodging at a hostel- as did another of our cadets. I packed my bags and set off for Seattle..

My first morning I awoke at 6 am and walked past Pike’s Place Market, past the bristling ferry depot, and South along Seattle’s waterfront to PMI’s facility adjacent the US Coast Guard.

After meeting with Jill and Marjah, two of PMI’s high trained experienced staff) I met the rest of the PMI Workboat Academy-class of March 2010. There are 6 others- 5 male and 1 female. Most have have some maritime experience, but not all. Ages range from early 20’s to 40’s. The only common denominator is a passion for a career in the maritime industry.

We all seemed a little nervous as we waited for class to begin. The rest of the class had just completed their basic safety training (BST) and spoke highly of the instruction in first aid, cpr, firefighting, water survival, etc. I arrived after the program started so will have to take the class at a later date. We talked until class began.

First up- introductions- the staff and students took turns introducing themselves. I was impressed that the faculty outnumbered students, that all of the staff seemed happy to be there, and by the collective experience of everyone there. We could tell we were in good hands.

Next we toured the facility. Highlights included:

*Spacious classrooms
*A fully stocked break room
*Several amazing simulators. We were each given an opportunity to steer a dual z drive tug outside Vancouver B.C. Very impressive- it felt like we were actually rocking in the waves!
* In house IT and simulation departments. We were especially impressed by the way the talented simulation developer was creating a life-like simulation of the Houston Ship Canal. When he is done will be able to experience lifelike scenery, currents, and weather for Houston- all from PMI’s Seattle simulator..
* A medical lab- complete with skeleton
* and more..

Next we got first hand advice from the graduating class- what to bring for the sea phases of our program, how to be a good ship mate, what not to do on the boat, etc. The most important advice is pertinent anywhere- work hard, do good job, do more than the minimum, and do it with a smile.

Lastly- we went over the training and assessment manuals for the program. PMI’s strength is that it combines classroom, simulator, and vessel experience into a program that squeezes years of training into a 24 month schedule. A large part of that is because , unlike traditional training, you also perform training ands assessments while aboard your boat or ship.

That’s all for today- tomorrow is ratings Forming Part of a Navigational watch (RFPNW)

Until Next Time-Anthony

–

Good luck Anthony!

Jacksonville Business Journal – by Mark Szakonyi Staff reporter

Crowley Liner Services Inc. has received a contract worth up to $22 million from the U.S. military to provide emergency port services in Haiti.

The Jacksonville-based shipping company will repair Port-au-Prince’s piers and beaches, provide warehousing, cargo consolidation, and transport cargo, according to the U.S. Transportation Command contract. The contract runs until April 15.

Crowley has been able to bring in containers into Port-au-Prince despite the city’s piers still being under repair. The company used a process called lightering, where smaller vessels with roll-on/roll-off capabilities unload cargo from a large container ship and bring it ashore without using a traditional dock.

Crowley has also shipped containers to the Dominican Republic, from where they were trucked into Haiti. Under the contract, Crowley will also build a temporary pier at Port-au-Prince and use a crane to unload cargo onto the shore.

• Keep reading

Headlines: Indian Ocean – pirate action groups disrupted; NATO – previously hijacked vessel being used as pirate platform; Somalia – pirates release hijacked fishing vessel; White House – TSA Administrator nominee; TRB – workshop on offshore wind energy projects; TRB and USCG – meeting of HSCs and AMSCs; PHMSA – risk-based adjustment of transportation security plans; USCG – RNA along Oregon and Washington bars; Kodiak – Rescue 21 Environmental Assessment; SLSDC – update of Seaway regulations; ARC – expanded funding sought for Arctic oil spill research; Senate hearing – DOT budget request; Senate hearing – NOAA budget and fisheries enforcement; Senate – bill introduced to expand offshore wind credits; House – bill introduced to authorize appropriations for NTSB; Court – reduction in LHWCA compensation for failure to take alternative employment; NATO – Secretary-General’s speech; Canada – investigation of sail training vessel capsizing; Ireland – guidelines for accessible maritime passenger transport; Malta – investigation of passenger vessel fatalities; New Zealand – updated form for advance notice of arrival; UK – examination of ro-ro allision with light float; and UK – chemical release halts navigation on River Humber.

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. An above-average newsletter.

Indian Ocean – pirate action groups disrupted

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that over the past few days five pirate action groups have been disrupted. A number of mother ships and skiffs have been sunk and over 40 suspected pirates have been taken into custody. In one case, a French fishing vessel was attacked by pirates. Two other fishing vessels came to the assistance of the first vessel. During close contact, the mother ship collided with one of the fishing vessels and sank. The suspected pirates on board were rescued. (3/8/10).

NATO – previously hijacked vessel being used as pirate platform

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) issued a press release stating that a previously hijacked fishing vessel is underway in the Somali Basin and is apparently being used as a pirate platform. (3/8/10).

Somalia – pirates release hijacked fishing vessel

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that a fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates on 29 October 2009 has been released by pirates from the port of Heradeere following payment of a ransom. (3/7/10).

White House – TSA Administrator nominee

The White House issued a news release stating that President Obama intends to nominate MGEN Robert A. Harding, USA (ret) to serve as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). (3/8/10).

TRB – workshop on offshore wind energy projects

The Transportation Research Board of the National Academies issued a notice stating that, on March 25, it will host a workshop in Washington, DC on offshore wind energy projects. (12/21/09).

TRB and USCG – meeting of HSCs and AMSCs

The Transportation Research Board of the National Academies issued a notice stating that, on June 8-10, it and the US Coast Guard will sponsor a joint conference of the Harbor Safety Committees (HSCs) and the Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) in Jersey City. (1/21/10).

PHMSA – risk-based adjustment of transportation security plans

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule modifying current security plan requirements applicable to commercial transportation of hazardous materials by air, rail, vessel, and highway. The modification narrows the list of materials subject to security plan requirements and reduces associated regulatory costs and paperwork requirements. The changes come into effect on October 1. Voluntary compliance is authorized as of April 8. 75 Fed. Reg. 10973 (March 9, 2010).

USCG – RNA along Oregon and Washington bars

The US Coast Guard issued a correction to its recent rulemaking establishing regulated navigation areas (RNAs) at certain bars along the Oregon and Washington coasts. Among other things, the correction includes an option for mariners to use VHF-FM Channel 16 for notifying the Coast Guard. The corrections come into effect immediately. 75 Fed. Reg. 10687 (March 9, 2010).

Kodiak – Rescue 21 Environmental Assessment

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that comment is sought on the Environmental Assessment for construction, operation, and maintenance of a proposed Rescue 21 communications facility in the Middle Cape area of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. (3/8/10).

SLSDC – update of Seaway regulations

The US Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), in coordination with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, has updated the Seaway Regulations and Rules. The changes come into effect immediately. 75 Fed. Reg. 10688 (March 9, 2010).

ARC – expanded funding sought for Arctic oil spill research

The US Arctic Research Commission (ARC) issued a draft White Paper recommending expanded funding for Arctic/Subarctic Oil Spill Research. It points out that risks of oil spills in polar waters may be growing due to changing climate and sea ice conditions, increasing offshore energy exploration, and projected shipping growth. (2/24/10).

Senate hearing – Department of Transportation budget request

On March 4, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a hearing on the FY 2011 budget request for the Department of Transportation. Committee Chair Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) pointed out the importance of national transportation goals and clear objectives. Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) discussed the proposed establishment of a multi-modal grant and loan program. Deputy Secretary John Porcari testified concerning the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure. The Committee issued a news release following the hearing. (3/4/10).

Senate hearing – NOAA budget request and fisheries enforcement

On March 3, the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a hearing on the FY 2011 budget request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and on its fisheries enforcement program and operations. Committee Chair Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) spoke of the need to strengthen the scientific work of the agency. Subcommittee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) discussed the importance of a healthy oceanic environment. NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco emphasized the importance of rebuilding NOAA’s capital infrastructure. Department of Commerce (DOC) Inspector General Todd Zinser testified concerning the need for better oversight of NOAA’s fisheries enforcement program and operations. (3/3/10).

Senate – bill introduced to expand offshore wind credits

Senator Carper (D-DE) introduced a bill (S. 3062) to extend credits related to the production of electricity from offshore wind, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill has not yet been posted. (3/3/10).

House – bill introduced to authorize appropriations for NTSB

Representative Oberstar (D-MN) introduced National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 4714) to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the National Transportation Safety Board for fiscal years 2011 through 2014, and for other purposes. If enacted into law, the bill would, among other things, allow the NTSB to delegate authority to investigate a major marine casualty to an officer of the US Coast Guard. (3/2/10).

Court – reduction in LHWCA compensation for failure to take alternative employment

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that, under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), compensation for an injured longshoreman was properly reduced by the amount that he could have earned in non-longshore work despite claimant’s contention that taking such work could have jeopardized his status as a longshoreman. Rhine v. Stevedoring Services of America, No. 08-73370 (9th Cir., March 5, 2010).

NATO – Secretary-General’s speech

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) released the text of the speech delivered by NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Among other things, he discussed the common interests of NATO and Bahrain with regard to counter-piracy, maritime security, and environmental protection. (3/7/10). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

Canada – investigation of sail training vessel capsizing

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada issued a media release stating that it will conduct a safety investigation into the capsizing and sinking of the sail training vessel Concordia, which occurred on February 17 off the coast of Brazil. (3/3/10).

Ireland – guidelines for accessible maritime passenger transport

The Irish Department of Transport issued a press release announcing publication of Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport, aimed at making maritime passenger transport more accessible and useable for everyone. (3/5/10).

Malta – investigation of passenger vessel fatalities

Transport Malta issued a news release stating that it has commenced an investigation into circumstances surrounding the casualty that occurred on the passenger ship Louis Majesty in the Mediterranean Sea on March 3 while en route from Barcelona to Genoa. The ship was struck by abnormally high waves, which smashed various windows on the ship and resulted in the deaths of two passengers and the injury of six others. (3/3/10).

New Zealand – updated form for advance notice of arrival

The New Zealand Customs Service issued an updated version of Form NZCS 344 – Advance Notice of Arrival. (3/8/10).

UK – examination of ro-ro allision with light float

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the summary of its Preliminary Examination of circumstances surrounding the allision of a light float on the River Mersey by a ro-ro cargo ferry. The master was distracted after power was lost to the bow thruster. He failed to notice, until it was too late, that the vessel was being set down on the light float. A major factor in the casualty was failure to properly utilize the bridge management team. (3/8/10).

UK – chemical release halts navigation on River Humber

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a press notice stating that it established a temporary danger area (TDA) halting navigation on the River Humber after a chemical company adjacent to the river reported the release of titanium tetrachloride. Four employees at the facility suffered chemical burns and toxic inhalation. (3/5/10).

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 – March 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution

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PR Newswire (press release)
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PR Newswire (press release)
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Headlines: Indian Ocean – chemical tanker reported hijacked by pirates; Indian Ocean – pirate vessels sunk; Indian Ocean – vessel protection detachment deters pirate attack; MMS – Cape Wind EA and FONNSI; and Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting.

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. An above-average newsletter.

Indian Ocean – chemical tanker reported hijacked by pirates

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that a chemical tanker is reported to have been hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean 300 nautical miles from Dar El Salam, Tanzania. The tanker has a crew of 21. (3/6/10).

Indian Ocean – pirate vessels sunk

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that one its warships intercepted a mother ship and a skiff with eleven individuals and pirate paraphernalia on board. The suspected pirates were taken into custody and the two vessels were sunk. (3/5/10).

Indian Ocean – vessel protection detachment deters pirate attack

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that a Spanish fishing vessel operating in Indian Ocean between the Seychelles and Kenya was attacked by two pirate skiffs, who fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The fishing vessel had embarked a vessel protection detachment of private security guards, who fired warning shots over the heads of the pirates. The pirate skiffs departed the scene. (3/4/10).

MMS – Cape Wind EA and FONNSI

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) issued a notice stating that it has completed its Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No New Significant Impact (FONNSI) regarding the proposed Cape Wind offshore wind farm. The documents state that no new information was found that would necessitate a reanalysis of any of the alternatives or the kinds, levels, or locations of the impacts by the Proposed Action upon the biological, physical, socio-economic, or cultural resources. 75 Fed. Reg. 10500 (March 8, 2010).

Shipping Coordinating Committee – meeting

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on March 23. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Fire Protection Sub-Committee. Topics on the agenda include fixed hydrocarbon gas detection systems on double-hull tankers and entry into enclosed spaces. 75 Fed. Reg. 10546 (March 8, 2010).

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 – March 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution