NTSB – Recommendations regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

From Bryant’s Maritime Blog

http://www.ntsb.gov/Recs/letters/2009/M09_14_16.pdf

 M-09-14 through -16 (10/20/09)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent a set of three formal safety recommendations to the US Coast Guard concerning obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The NTSB noted that the pilots involved in the 1995 grounding of a cruise ship in Alaska and the 1997 allision of a container ship with a bridge abutment in San Francisco Bay both suffered from OSA and the chronic fatigue accompanying OSA may have been a factor in both casualties. The NTSB thus recommends that the Coast Guard modify its Merchant Mariner Physical Examination Report to elicit specific information concerning OSA; implement a program to identify mariners who may be at high risk for OSA; and disseminate guidance regarding identification and treatment of OSA.

 

Dennis Bryant of Holland and Knight entering the blogosphere

A sad note from Holland and Knight, but be sure to follow Dennis Bryant online at his new blog…

After 13 years with Holland & Knight and 10 years publishing this electronic newsletter, I am shifting my flag to the Internet.  Today is my last day with the law firm and my last day as editor of this newsletter.  Henceforth, you can reach me at my blog – Bryant’s Maritime Blog

[ http://bryantsmaritimeblog.blogspot.com ].  

While the blog may superficially resemble the newsletter, there will be important differences.   First, it will not show up in your e-mail’s In Box.  Rather, you will have to go to it on the Internet.  Therefore, you may wish to put the site on your Favorites list.  Then again, maybe not – your choice.  Second, while the blog will attempt to keep track of maritime developments (as did the newsletter), it will allow for a dialogue. Thus, if you wish to comment on a topic in the blog, or just wish to sound off, this will provide you with a forum.  While I will retain editorial control, I will try to not stifle criticism, only irrelevancy and redundancy.  Third, plans call for the blog to eventually include advertizing.  Please support the blog site by clicking on some or all of the advertisements that interest you.  All the best to each and every one of you.  If you wish to chat less publicly, you can reach me at: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com.