Telenor Launches New Service
Telenor Satellite Services today announced the commercial launch of Telenor Fleet F55, the first high-speed data solution available for coastal and regional vessels and large yachts. The company also announced that it plans to commercially launch the third member of the Inmarsat Fleet family, Fleet F33, by the end of November. The two new services provide small to medium-sized vessels a powerful communications solution incorporating global voice and a range of data and fax services. Telenor Fleet F55 service offers maritime customers high-speed data communications, at up to 64kbps, in smaller equipment suitable for smaller vessels. F55 service provides users the flexibility of mobile ISDN and Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS)…
U.S. Requires Nontank Vessel Response Plans
The U.S. Coast Guard recently issued interim guidance for the development and review of oil spill response plans for nontank vessels. Since 1993, tank vessels have carried oil spill response plans. A recent legislative change will soon mandate similar response plans for most other ships. The problem is that the legislation requires nontank vessels to have the response plans sooner than the Coast Guard can promulgate regulations in accordance with standard procedures. Thus, the agency is unofficially advising stakeholders on how to comply with the legislation. Stakeholders will ignore the unofficial advice at their peril. The legislation has real teeth.
Government Update: Secure Marine Transportation ... Priceless?
In the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), signed into law on November 25, 2002, Congress directed the U.S. Coast Guard to, among other things, establish a vessel security plan requirement for appropriate vessels operating in United States waters. Congress broadly defined the vessels that should have security plans as those that the Secretary (of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating) believes may be involved in a transportation security incident. A 'transportation security incident' is defined as a security incident resulting in a significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a particular area.
Government Update: Open Letter to the U.S. Coast Guard Regarding Maritime Security
On December 30, 2002, the U.S. Coast Guard published a Notice of meetings and a request for comments relating to maritime security (67 Fed. Reg. 79742). Following are some thoughts on this important issue. I must commence by stating that I have the highest respect for the Coast Guard. The maritime and port security missions are vital to the U.S. and the world. There is no agency better qualified to lead this important program. Congress has assigned heavy responsibilities to the Coast Guard and, at the same time, required that the initial work be done in an impossibly short time. The Coast Guard is accustomed to working in real time and will accomplish the mission in the shortest possible period. While the U.S.
