Commerce Committee
Hearing on Marine Mammal Protection Act
The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled a Hearing
Cruise Vessel Act Cleared
The Senate Commerce Committee this week gave unanimous approval to S. 127, the United States Cruise Vessel Act. Senator John McCain, the sponsor of the legislation, characterizes it as an effort to "jump start" the introduction of large cruise ships (greater than 20,000 gt and with overnight accommodations for at least 800 passengers) into the coastwise trade. The key feature of the legislation allows a vessel operator to acquire a foreign-built cruise ship and place in under U.S
Commerce Committee Will Hold Port Security Field Hearing
U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced today a full Committee hearing on the implementation of the Port and Maritime Security Act on Tuesday, February 19th, 2002, at 1:30 PM at the Charleston, S.C., Maritime Center. Witnesses will include: Panel I, Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary of Transportation; Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant, United States Coast Guard; Robert C
Hearing on Disposal of Ghost Fleet
The Senate Commerce Committee released testimony of various witnesses who spoke at the hearing conducted by the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee on July 7, 2003. Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert
AWO: Senate Bill Would Protect Marine Environment
Bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and nine co-sponsors would establish a strong, nationally consistent standard for ballast water and other vessel discharges, bringing good news for the marine environment and for maritime commerce, the American Waterways Operators (AWO) announced. S. 3332, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, would require the U.S. Coast Guard to implement the most environmentally protective ballast water discharge standard achievable by
Cruise Line Maintains Coast Guard Help Free of Charge
Carnival Corp, resists reimbursement of costs incurred by US Government through assistance rendered to their disabled 'Carnival Triumph'. Carnival Corp. says all maritime interests must assist without question those in trouble at sea, a duty that would not include reimbursing the U.S. government nearly $780,000 for costs associated with the rescue of the crippled Triumph cruise ship, reports the Associated Press. Carnival recently released letters replying to an inquiry by U.S. Sen
Confirmation Hearing for Maritime Administrator
On July 27, the Senate Commerce Committe will hold a full Committee hearing to consider the following nominations: Charles Nottingham to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board; Robert Sumwalt to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board; Nathaniel Wienecke to be Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Commerce; Jay Cohen to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology
An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy released its final report - An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century. The 610-page report recommends establishment of a comprehensive and coordinated U.S. ocean policy. The report, like its earlier draft, is heavily weighted toward research, environmental protection, and state and local coordination. Sections relating to commercial activity on the water, such as carriage of goods and passengers
Legislation Aimed at Reducing TWIC Red Tape
Bill Would Reform Enrollment Process in Flawed TWIC Program. U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) introduced legislation today that would reform the burdensome enrollment process of the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) program, which provides biometric identification cards to mariners and other transportation workers in order to allow them unescorted access to secure areas of ports, vessels, and other maritime facilities
LA Port Executive Ruiz Named to Federal Panel
Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness to Recommend Ways to Increase U.S. Exports; First Meeting is Friday. Port of Los Angeles Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs Cynthia Ruiz has been named to the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness by Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. The Committee, comprised of 40 senior-level representatives of multiple industries and supply chain experts, will advise the Secretary, the U.S
Port of LA Wins Presidential 'E Star' Award
The Port of Los Angeles’ Trade Connect program has earned the nation’s highest honor for promoting American export trade. The Port was among the 2013 honorees recognized for export sales or service during an “E” Award ceremony at the U
AWO Urges Industry Awareness on National Maritime Day
The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association of the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, is using National Maritime Day to remind Americans about the many significant contributions of the nation’s domestic mariners. Established in 1933
Port Launches World Trade Partnership on National Maritime Day
Trade partners in Ventura County joined forces at the Port of Hueneme to kick off a program celebrating World Trade Month. The Port timely hosted this event on National Maritime Day. Participating were representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S
Today in U.S. Naval history: May 22
Today in U.S. Naval history - May 22 1882 - Commodore Shufeldt signs commerce treaty opening Korea to U.S. trade 1958 - Naval aircraft F4D-1 Sky Ray sets five world speed-to-climb records, May 22-23 1967 - New York City reaches agreement to purchase Brooklyn Navy Yard
USCG Accepting Applications for TSAC Vacancies
The United States Coast Guard is requesting applications from qualified candidates seeking consideration for appointment as public members to the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). TSAC advises the Coast Guard on matters relating to shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and
Solace Called Upon to Address Industry Standards
Solace Global Maritime, a private maritime security company, has been seconded as an industry expert from SME32 Ships and Maritime U.K. Committee to advise the QS1 Quality Committee on proposed changes to the international management standard, BS EN ISO9001.
Maersk Line Signs Up for INTTRA E-Shipping
Maersk Line sign a multi-year e-commerce shipping network contract with INTTRA as part of a strategic growth strategy for both companies. Maersk Line and its brands Safmarine, Seago Line, and MCC will extend the benefits of the INTTRA e-commerce shipping network to its customers
Lloyd’s Register Holds Offshore Technical Committee
Lloyd’s Register’s Global Technology Center in Singapore held its inaugural Offshore Technical Committee last week with representatives from national and international oil companies, EPC contractors, owners, operators, fabricators, shipbuilders
U.S. Senator Sends Safety Inquiries to Major Cruise Lines
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation said in a news release that Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va) sent letters to the three largest cruise liners about their passenger safety, security, and health practices. Chairman Rockefeller’s letters to Carnival, Royal Caribbean
UNOLS Call for Nominations
The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) seeks nominations & applications to fill Council and Committee vacancies in 2013. The open positions include: • UNOLS Council - 1 position
Green Lights on Singapore Strait TSS Crossing
IMO's Maritime Safety Committee has adopted an earlier recommendation that ships display 3 all-round green lights when crossing the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). The night signals identify these vessels crossing the TSS during hours of darkness which will allow other vessels
INTTRA & APL Expand Business Relationship
The companies agree that INTTRA will support APL’s global e-commerce growth strategy, as well as enhance its global customer service offerings. With more than two million container orders initiated on the INTTRA platform each month, INTTRA says it reaches the largest worldwide community of
Megan Bel Joins National Ocean Industries Association Staff
Megan Bel joined the staff of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) as Senior Director, Government and Political Affairs. She comes to NOIA from the Office of Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) where she served as Legislative Director since 2008
Seattle Propeller Club Honors Veentjer and Dwyer
The Seattle Propeller Club announced the winner of the 2013 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award as Captain John Veentjer, Puget Sound Marine Exchange Executive Director, aboard Princess Cruises cruise vessel Sapphire Princess while berthed on Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle’s Bell Street
Rebuilding the Presumption of Preemption
I propose that the Legislative, Executive, Judicial Branches of the federal government should cooperatively work toward the rebuilding of the presumption in favor of federal preemption with respect to all matters related to maritime commerce