Curtas do Bryant´s

IMO – summary of MEPC 68

The IMO issued a news release [located at http://www.imo.org/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/19-MEPC-ends.aspx#.VVo287lVhBc] summarizing results of the recent session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 68). Among other things, the environmental provisions of the Polar Code were adopted, as were amendments to MARPOL Annex I regarding tanks for oil residues and extension of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). (5/18/15).

Singapore – concern Persian Gulf shooting incident

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release [located at http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/global_navigation/news_center/mpa_news/mpa_news_detail.page?filename=nr150518.xml] expressing concern about the reported shooting incident on 14 May involving the Singapore-registered tanker Alpine Eternity that took place in international waters. Singapore has requested the Iranian maritime authorities to investigate the incident and prevent future recurrences. As to the 22 March collision involving Alpine Eternity and an oil platform in the Persian Gulf, the incident was promptly reported to the MPA and is under investigation. (5/18/15).

MREN – Rising from the ashes

In the May 2015 edition of Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, you can find my article entitled Rising from the ashes [located at http://www.brymar-consulting.com/wp-content/uploads/MREN/MREN150500.pdf]. In the article, I discuss the recent demise of Loran-C and the current total reliance on satellite navigation systems such as GPS for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). The General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland, though, have moved ahead with enhanced Loran (eLoran) as an augmentation of and backup for satnav. Now, the United States is exploring development of its own eLoran system, with the Department of Transportation seeking public comment and a bill introduced in Congress providing for such a system. It is too early to say for sure that the eLoran phoenix has risen from the ashes of Loran-C, but there are certainly signs of life. Fonte: Dennis Bryant.