Curtas do Bryant´s

Gulf of Mexico oil spill – “top kill” operation

The Unified Command issued a news release containing an animation of the proposed “top kill” operation to inject drilling mud into the well in the Gulf of Mexico. (5/24/10).

NOAA – gathering baseline data impact of Gulf of Mexico oil spill

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that it is testing shellfish, sediment, and water at 60 coastal locations throughout the Gulf of Mexico in order to have a baseline from which to assess the environmental impact of the oil spill. (5/24/10).

USCG – guidelines for US vessels operating in high-risk waters

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it has released revisions 2 and 3 of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-6 providing anti-piracy guidance and mandatory measures to be undertaken by US vessels operating in high-risk waters, with specific direction for US vessels operating around the Horn of Africa. The documents are designated Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and are only available to those with an appropriate clearance and a need to know. For others, the Coast Guard issues Port Security Advisories, including PSA 02-09 (rev. 1), a non-SSI version of MARSEC Directive 104-6. 75 Fed. Reg. 29358 (May 25, 2010).

Invasive Species Advisory Committee – meeting

The Invasive Species Advisory Committee, sponsored by the Department of the Interior, will meet in San Francisco on June 22-24. Topics on the agenda include challenges faced by the Bay Area marine/coastal ecosystem. 75 Fed. Reg. 29359 (May 25, 2010).

NOAA – additional sites for the National System of Marine Protected Areas

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an update to the list of the National System of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The additions were based largely on nominations submitted in response to a recent notice. 75 Fed. Reg. 29317 (May 25, 2010).

EPA – complaint filed against shipyard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that a complaint has been filed in federal court against a shipyard in Providence, Rhode Island alleging violations for federal law by discharging polluted water and by failing to obtain required federal permits for pressure washing, painting, and related operations. (5/24/10).

FEMA – National Hurricane Preparedness Week

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a news release noting that this is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. (5/24/10). Note: The Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website includes a compilation of numerous USCG hurricane and heavy weather contingency plans.

House – bill introduced to repeal limitation of liability for an offshore oil facility

Representative Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced a bill (H.R. 5355) to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to repeal the limitation of liability of a responsible party for a discharge or substantial threat of a discharge of oil from an offshore oil facility. (5/20/10).

Australia – update re Shen Neng 1

Maritime Safety Queensland issued a media release stating that the damaged bulk carrier Shen Neng 1 has been moved to a safe anchorage off the Gladstone coast in preparation for a tow to China for repairs. Lightening of the vessel was completed on May 20. An ocean-going tug is expected to arrive on May 30. (5/24/10).

IMO – adoption of goal-based standards

The IMO issued a news release stating that the recently-concluded session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted regulations establishing goal-based standards (GBS) for construction of oil tankers and bulk carriers. The MSC also adopted guidelines establishing procedures to be followed in order to verify that the design and construction rules of the Administration (or its recognized organization) for bulk carriers and/or oil tankers conform to the GBS. (5/21/10). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.