EPA – VGP and sVGP webinars

Due to high interest on the draft Vessel General Permit (VGP) and Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) programs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled two question and answer webinars. These sessions will allow those stakeholders who could not attend one of EPA’s public meetings to give oral public comments. The purpose of these sessions will be to answer questions from the public and to take public comment. Please note that EPA may impose limits on the time allowed for oral statements. EPA is hosting webinars at different times to accommodate stakeholders in different time zones.

 The first webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31 from 10 am – 12 pm (EST). To register for the January 31 webinar, please visit
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/372154234.

The second webinar is scheduled for Tuesday February 7 from 3 pm – 5 pm (EST). To register for the February 7 webinar, please visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/278817074. (1/25/12).

 

New AIS Encoding Guidance for U.S. Waters

     Recently the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center issued new guidance on encoding requirements for AIS units operating in U.S. waters.  Excerpts from the guidance include:
“The Coast Guard continues to see an unacceptable number of AIS users who are not updating their Navigational Status or accurately broadcasting static or voyage related information – MMSI, name, dimensions, static draft, destination, ETA, etc. 
     Mariners are reminded that U.S. regulation requires that each AIS be maintained in effective operating condition which includes accurate input and upkeep of all AIS data parameters.  Failure to do so may subject a vessel to civil penalties of up to $40,000 per occurrence.  To avoid penalties AIS Users in the United States should ensure their system is [properly] encoded…”

This new guidance also includes an updated AIS Encoding Guide to assist mariners in properly encoding their AIS to meet Federal regulations. 

 The new guidance and AIS Encoding Guide are contained in a three-page brochure available  at the following link - New AIS Encoding Guidance for US Waters (PDF) 

The new guidance and AIS Encoding Guide may also be obtained by contacting Mr. Edward G. LeBlanc at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England,  401-435-2351, or  Edward.G.LeBlanc@uscg.mil.

To report a problem or for further information regarding AIS, including Coast Guard plans to extend U.S. carriage requirements to most commercial ships transiting U.S. navigable waters, contact cgnav@uscg.mil or visit  the Navigation Center website

 

USCG – revision to chemical testing regulations

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it is considering revising the regulations governing chemical (drug and alcohol) testing of mariners. In support of that effort, the agency would like input from stakeholders on issues related to the administration of chemical testing programs for mariners by mariner employers. In particular, the Coast Guard is interested in information regarding casualty data related to drug and alcohol use; recurrent training of supervisors; and immediate reporting for testing, among other issues. Comments should be submitted by March 20. 77 Fed. Reg. 2935 (January 20, 2012).

Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 13 PDF

 

EPA – overview of VGP & sVGP programs

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted an Overview of the 2013 draft Vessel General Permit (VGP) and Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) programs. (1/12/12).

Background and Overview of the 2013 Draft VGP and sVGP Programs (PDF)

 

USCG – 2010 STCW amendments

The US Coast Guard issued guidance to covered US-flag vessels for implementing the 2010 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 relating to hours of rest and security-related training. The 2010 amendments expanded application of hours of work and rest periods for mariners to include all personnel with designated safety, prevention of pollution, and security duties onboard any vessel; changed the weekly rest hours requirements from 70 hours to 77 hours; and required the recording of hours of rest. US-flag vessels operating in foreign ports should ensure that all personnel, other than the vessel security officer (VSO), are in possession of an appropriate course completion certificate or company letter of proof showing compliance with federal regulatory requirements and Section 13 of the ISPS Code. VSOs must hold the appropriate endorsement on their credential.

This guidance comes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until replaced by regulations implementing the 2010 STCW amendments. 77 Fed. Reg. 232 (January 4, 2012).