Navigating the Regulatory Seas

Here is the latest from the Holland and Knight newsletter regarding Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) for all you passenger vessels out there.

The US Coast Guard promulgated its final rule requiring certain ships to report identifying and position data electronically, utilizing the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system. The rule requires transmission of the LRIT data, effective December 31, 2008 for the following ships, while engaged on an international voyage: (1) passenger ships, including high speed passenger craft; (2) cargo ships, including high speed craft, of 300 gross tonnage or more; and (3) mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) while underway and not engaged in drilling operations.

For the rest of the document, click 73 Fed. Reg. 23310

From the Holland and Knight Newsletter: USCG – reminder to replace older EPIRBs

The US Coast Guard issued a press release reminding mariners that older model Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) that broadcast on 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz will not be monitored by satellite as of February 1, 2009. Effective that date, the satellites will only monitor for radio beacons broadcasting on 406 MHz. Some of the newer EPIRBs are equipped with embedded GPS, which will automatically signal the location of the distress.

The official press release after the jump.

USCG – TWIC FAQs

The US Coast Guard issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding its enforcement of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.

From Holland and Knight….

USCG – Mariner licensing and Documentation update

The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) issued a Mariner Licensing and Documentation Update. The focus is on the transition of various functions from the Regional Examination Centers (RECs) to centralized operations at the NMC. Plans call for these functions to be fully centralized by the end of the fiscal year. (4/14/08).

Click here to read the USCG document.

A gentle reminder from your friendly Maritime Administration reminding US merchant mariners about the importance of obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) prior to September 25, 2008.

Memorandom