GNSS – impact of increased sunspot activity

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a Marine Information Note advising the maritime community that availability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) may be adversely affected during the current increase in sunspot activity. The predicted peak in such activity is occurring now, but may last through 2015. MIN 453 (M+F) (3/31/13).

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

Passenger Vessel Industry Day 2013 Meeting Summary

Here are the minutes from the USCG Sector Southeastern New England industry day held on March 20th at UMASS Dartmouth in Fall River, MA.

Minutes from Industry Day (PDF)

 

 

USCG – marine casualty reporting requirements

The US Coast Guard issued a bulletin reminding the maritime industry of the obligation to notify the Coast Guard verbally of a marine casualty within 24 hours of the incident and to submit a written marine casualty report within five days. Penalties of up to $27,500 per day of delay may be assessed for failure to report a reportable marine casualty. (5/7/13)

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

IMO Tackles the Administrative Burdens of Compliance

This article appeared on Tuesday, May 7th, on www.gCaptain.com :

Today (Tuesday, May 7, 2013) marks the start of a six-month consultation period in which the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking widespread input from industry stakeholders and the public on the administrative burdens that may result from compliance with IMO instruments.

The intention of the consultation period is to gather information from a broad spectrum of stakeholders on how to alleviate administrative burdens. The IMO says that it recognizes that some administrative requirements contained in IMO instruments may have become unnecessary, disproportionate or even obsolete, and it is committed to reducing their impact.

Click here to continue reading the article on gCaptain>>>

 

 

USCG – improved handling of arrival date/time data

The USCG National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC) issued a notice stating that, beginning 14 May, submissions containing invalid or otherwise erroneous arrival date/time data will be rejected, necessitating correction and resubmission. (5/7/13).

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

USCG – TWIC reader requirements

The US Coast Guard sent a letter to Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) in response to his concern that the public have sufficient opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Reader Requirements. The letter states that the public comment period will be extended for thirty days. (5/3/13). 

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

IMO – integration of women into the maritime sector

The IMO issued a news release stating that, as part of its program on Integration of Women in the Maritime Sector (IWMS), it has produced the film “Women at the Helm” to help women achieve a more equitable representation in the maritime community. (4/19/13).

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting