Ship Identification

Tanker Delivery - MV Eagle Sapporo

Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) completed and delivered a 110,000 dwt type double hull crude oil tanker, the Eagle Sapporo (MES Hull No. 1696) at its Chiba Works to Maybaru Shipping & Trading Pte Ltd, Singapore on December 10, 2008. This is the 11th Aframax Tanker in this series which has the largest deadweight and the largest cargo tank capacity with 42 meter beam and an overall length 804 ft. Special Features: •    The vessel has a cargo tank capacity of 128,000 m3 and deadweight of 110,400 tons, which are the largest class for Aframax Tanker with 42 meter beam. •    The vessel has the newest hull form including bulbous bow stern arrangement and has MIPB (Mitsui Integrated Propeller Boss with Wing) as energy-saving device, they leads to the highest propulsion performance for Aframax tanker. •    The main engine is equipped with the electronic-controlled lubrication system to minimize the engine cylinder lubricating oil. •    Fixed type flammable gas detecting system is applied in the ballast tanks and the pump room. •    The cargo pump with self-stripping system is equipped to enable easy operations. •    Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS), Automatic Ship Identification System (AIS) and Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) are installed for better route planning and safe navigation.

TerraMar Networks Partners with Orbcomm

TerraMar Networks Limited has entered into an agreement with Orbcomm Inc. (Nasdaq: ORBC), a  global satellite data communications company, to create one of the broadest and most complete maritime asset tracking offerings on the market. Orbcomm’s satellite AIS service receives a ship’s identification, position and other critical data.  This data can be used to assist in vessel tracking, maritime navigation and safety

USCG Defines Acceptable IDs for Access

USCG acceptable identification credentials and name checks The US Coast Guard issued a Notice informing the maritime community of acceptable identification credentials for access to US waterfront facilities. Operators of waterfront facilities are to restrict access to their facilities to persons with such acceptable credentials, which include: (1) a merchant mariner document; (2) an armed forces identification card; (3) a federal law enforcement credential; (4) identification credentials

Identification System Gets Green Light from DHS

The U.S. Coast Guard announced today it received formal approval from the Department of Homeland Security to issue solicitations and award contracts to establish initial operating capability for the two-way, maritime data communications system known as the nationwide automatic identification system. "The nationwide automatic identification system will greatly aid the essential process of identifying, tracking, and communicating with vessels approaching our maritime borders and is a

GAO Issues VIS

The General Accounting Office (GAO) issued its report entitled Coast Guard: Vessel Identification System Development Needs to Be Reassessed. The Vessel Identification System (VIS) was intended to provide ensure that each vessel operating in the United States had a unique identification number. The program, which focuses primarily on recreational vessels, depended heavily on state participation, but many states have been unwilling or unable to commit necessary funds

CSR Encourages Advocacy Campaign

The Seamen's Church Institute's Center for Seafarers' Rights is encouraging individuals to advocate for the United States to adopt an internationally developed seafarers' identification document. "We need to let Secretary Tom Ridge know that shore leave and security concerns can be reconciled with this identification document developed with the international community," said Douglas B. Stevenson, Director of the

Deepwater C4ISR Upgrades Contribute to Record Drug Seizure

The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have announced the record maritime seizure of more than 42,000 pounds of cocaine by 378-foot Coast Guard Cutters Hamilton and Sherman, both recipients of Deepwater C4ISR upgrades. As part of a two-phased effort, the Deepwater team upgraded communications capabilities on all 39 Coast Guard high- and medium-endurance cutters providing access to a secure data network via

House Hearing on TWIC

On October 18, the House Committee on Homeland Security will conduct an oversight hearing on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. (HK Law)

DHS System of Records – US-VISIT RFID Tags

The Department of Homeland Security issued a Notice stating that it is establishing a Privacy Act system of records entitled the Automated Identification Management System (AIDMS). The AIDMS consists of the reports from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that will be issued to aliens traveling to the United States. The RFID tag will be linked to biographic and/or biometric data for that traveler. The RFID tag will then be used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

USCG Issues TWIC Notice for Merchant Mariners

The US Coast Guard issued a Notice for US merchant mariners discussing how the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program impacts them.