USCG and Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)

The US Coast Guard and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) are analyzing the current and future user needs and requirements of the Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS), which broadcasts signals to improve the accuracy and integrity of the GPS derived positions for various uses. This analysis will be used to support future NDGPS investment decisions beyond fiscal year 2016. Comments on the NDGPS should be submitted by 15 July. 78 Fed. Reg. 22554 (April 16, 2013).

 

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

USCG – Merchant Mariner Medical Evaluation Program

The US Coast Guard seeks comments on its merchant mariner medical evaluation program and possible alternatives. The Coast Guard is particularly interested in views as to whether it should establish a designated medical examiner program along the lines utilized by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Comments should be submitted by 2 May. 78 Fed. Reg. 19725 (April 2, 2013).

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

NMSAC – teleconference meeting

 The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will not meet as previously planned. Rather, it will meet on 2 April via web and teleconference. 78 Fed. Reg. 19277 (March 29, 2013).

 

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

USCG – inspection of MSP vessels

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it has published a Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) providing guidance to the marine industry and USCG personnel with guidance regarding inspection and certification of vessels under the Maritime Security Program (MSP). The guidance, NVIC 01-13, comes into effect immediately. 78 Fed. Reg. 13691 (February 28, 2013).

Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

 

Federal Maritime Commission – PVO financial responsibility

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) promulgated a final rule amending the passenger vessel operator (PVO) financial responsibility requirements for nonperformance of transportation to increase the cap on required performance coverage to $30 million over a two year period and thereafter adjust the cap every two years using the Consumer Price Index; adjust the amount of coverage required for small passenger vessel operators by providing for consideration of alternative forms of protection; removing the application form for issuance of certificates of financial responsibility from the Commission regulations and making it available at the website; adding an expiration date to the Certificate (Performance);and making technical adjustments to the regulations. The amendments comes into effect on 2 April. 78 Fed. Reg. 13268 (February 27, 2013).

 Courtesy of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting