Navigating the Regulatory Seas

The latest from the Coast Guard…

USCG Marine Safety Alert 1-08
Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship
May 9, 2008

Washington, DC

Maintaining Vessel Watertight Integrity

This Safety Alert addresses two issues: watertight integrity and high level
bilge alarms.

Recently a marine casualty involving a fishing vessel in the Bering Sea
resulted in multiple fatalities and complete loss of the vessel. A Marine
Board of Investigation is currently examining the various circumstances
surrounding the casualty. Although the investigation is not complete,
testimony indicates the flooding of the vessel may have been exacerbated
due to open or leaking watertight doors and other compartmental deficiencies
which impacted the vessel’s overall watertight integrity.
(more…)

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.

Some helpful information from the Regional Exam Center (REC) in New York City about the future of applying for credentials and what to bring to the REC when you go for your TWIC….

As required by law, all credentialed U.S. merchant mariners must obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), prior to September 25, 2008 - this includes all persons holding a Coast Guard-issued License, Certificate of Registry, Merchant Mariner Document or Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers endorsement.

The Coast Guard is currently engaged with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) working out the specific information, provided by applicants to TSA during TWIC enrollment, which would be needed to process an application for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). We (USCG) are also attempting to determine the method by which the information we require will be shared with to us by TSA. We expect to have coordinated these details prior to September 25, 2008, if not sooner.
(more…)

The American Boating Congress two-day legislative conference will be held in Washington, DC this year on April 27-29. Presented by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the seminars will address public policy and present on issues relevant to the maritime industry.

More information after the jump American Boating Congress

In November 2007, VADM James C. Card, Ret. completed an independent assessment and analysis of the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety program. Below is taken from the introduction and gives a brief over view of the document:

Recently, Congress and the industry have criticized the Coast Guard because they believe Coast Guard Marine Safety performance and service have deteriorated. Many point to the Coast Guard’s increased role in Maritime Security and its move to the Department of Homeland Security as primary reasons for the deterioration. Coast Guard Marine Safety professionals also have concerns about the Coast Guard’s lack of focus on Marine Safety as an important mission.

The results gathered in this report show that concerns and suggestions fall into six major categories. Listed by priority they are: Strategy; Leadership; People; Policy; Customer Focus; and Organization.

Here is the link to the rest of the document Coast Guard Marine Safety Analysis