Curtas do Bryant´s

USCG – proposed revision of National PREP Guidelines

The US Coast Guard proposes to revise the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) Guidelines to reflect changes to regulations, agency reorganizations, and lessons learned from past preparedness activities and recent response activities. Comments on the proposed revisions should be submitted by April 23. 77 Fed. Reg. 10542 (February 22, 2012).

Gulf of Mexico– transboundary hydrocarbons agreement

The Department of State (DOS) issued a press release stating that the United States and Mexico signed an agreement concerning the development of oil and gas reservoirs that cross the international maritime boundary between the two countries in the Gulf of Mexico. It is built on a commitment to the safe, efficient, and equitable exploitation of transboundary reservoirs with the highest degree of safety and environmental standards. (2/20/12). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services, Inc.

Great Lakes – ballast water management report

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the Great Lakes Ballast Water Working Group (BWWG), comprised of the US Coast Guard, Transport Canada-Marine Safety, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, posted its 2011 Summary of Great Lakes Seaway Ballast Water Management report. During 2011, 100% of ships bound for the Great Lakes via the St. Lawrence Seaway from outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) received a ballast water examination. A total of 7,203 ballast tank during 396 vessel transits were assessed. Vessels that did not exchange their ballast water or flush their ballast tanks were required to either retain the ballast water and residuals on board, treat the ballast water in an environmentally sound and approved manner, or return to sea to conduct a ballast water exchange. (2/17/12).

India – working for release of mariners held by Somali pirates

The Indian Ministry of Shipping issued a press release stating that the Indian Government continues to work discreetly to secure the release of the 22 Indian mariners being held by Somali pirates. So far, 242 Indian crew members have been on board merchant ships hijacked by Somali pirates and 220 of these have been released. (2/21/12). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.