Curta do Bryant´s

California – proposed amendments to BWM regulations

The California State Lands Commission (SLC) issued a letter advising interested parties that it is proposing amendments to regulations for ballast water management (BWM). Among other things, the proposed amendments would establish that Vessel Compliance Protocol Version 2012 would be used to assess compliance with California’s ballast water discharge performance standards and would establish the time period that vessels may be grandfathered under any one version of the protocols. A public hearing will be held in Long Beach on April 17. Comments on the proposals must be submitted by April 17. (2/24/12).

California – proposed amendments to biofouling regulations

The California State Lands Commission (SLC) issued a notice stating that it is proposing amendments to regulations for the management of biofouling for vessels operating in California waters. Among other things, the proposed amendments include a modification of procedures for the presumption of compliance for sea chests and addition of procedures for presumption of compliance for sea chest gratings, bow and stern thrusters, and bow and stern thruster gratings. Comments on the proposals must be submitted by March 16. (2/29/12).

California – North Coast Marine Protected Area

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) issued a news release stating that it has completed the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) proposals covering California’s North Coast from Mendocino to the Oregon border. Public hearings will be held in Fort Bragg (March 20); Crescent City (March 21); and Eureka (April 11). Comments must be received by April 16. (3/2/12).

IMO – summary of MEPC 63

The IMO issued a news release summarizing the results of the 63rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 63), which met in London on 27 February – 2 March. The session adopted guidelines for implementation of various energy efficiency measures, as well as a resolution designating the Baltic Sea as a special area under MARPOL Annex IV (sewage). Guidelines for development of garbage management plans and for implementation of MARPOL Annex V (garbage) were also adopted, along with guidelines for ship recycling. (3/5/12). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.