Curtas do Bryant´s

USCG – boating safety app

The US Coast Guard issued a news release [located at http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2504662/] stating that it has released a smartphone application (app) to enhance boating safety. The app includes: state boating information; a safety equipment checklist; free boating safety check requests; navigation rules; float plans; and calling features to report pollution or suspicious activity. When location services are activated, the app can also provide the latest weather reports from the nearest NOAA weather buoy; report the location of a hazard on the water; and, using the Emergency Assistance button, call the nearest Coast Guard command center. (5/16/15). Note: At the Apple store on the iPhone, the app is titled "United States Coast Guard".

OMB – carriage of shale gas extraction waste water

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a notice [located at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoDetails?rrid=125164] stating that it received for review a draft "prerule" from the US Coast Guard relating to carriage of conditionally permitted shale gas extraction waste water in bulk. (5/14/15). Note: "Prerule" is OMB's term for anything other than a rule or proposed rule. In this case, the document is probably a draft policy letter. OMB review generally takes four months or longer.

IMO – Polar Code adopted

The IMO issued a news release [located at http://www.imo.org/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/18-MEPC-polar-.aspx#.VVYv-blVhBc] stating that the recently-completed session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 68) adopted the environmental provisions of the new Polar Code, which will enter into effect and become mandatory on 1 January 2017.

Fonte: Dennis Bryant.