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Federal Advisory Committee News

20 Mar 2023

Getting the Work Right: Coordinating Money, Time and Big Projects

© EJRodriquez / Adobe Stock

I. MoneyNo one ever said it’s easy to understand federal budgets and spending plans. Nevertheless, a general sense of clarity and straightforwardness is critical for any review of public expenditures. This becomes more pressing when tracking revenue and expenditures linked to specific users’ fees, such as the $0.29/gallon fuel tax, paid by inland waterways operators. In 2021, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) held $221.5 million, money earmarked to build, maintain and operate…

16 May 2022

EMBARC: Changing Course - from Coarse to Enlightened

Midshipmen from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, fix the ship's position using a sextant aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). (Photo: Deven Leigh Ellis / U.S. Navy)

“Until every employee, and every midshipman, and cadet, and every trainee trusts the system and until all allegations are handled properly, abuse will continue to occur, it will continue to go unreported, and people will continue to suffer alone—and that is simply intolerable,” said Lucinda Lessley, Acting Maritime Administrator, presenting at the Connecticut Maritime Association Shipping Expo and Conference, in February.On March 30, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) released…

02 May 2022

Suggestions for Making America’s Marine Highway Program More Effective

© Ed Metz / Adobe Stock

The America’s Marine Highways Program is one of several grant programs administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to promote more effective use of the nation’s navigable waterways. This particular program was established by Congress in 2007 to provide grants for projects that would promote water-borne alternatives to available landside transportation services, especially for freight carried by trucks.Consistent with this specific goal, the program’s statutory authority…

14 Mar 2022

Interview: Jennifer Carpenter, President & CEO, AWO

Jennifer Carpenter, President & CEO, The American Waterways Operators (Photo: AWO)

Jennifer Carpenter joined The American Waterways Operators (AWO), the national trade association representing the inland and coastal tugboat, towboat and barge industry, in August 1990 and became its president and CEO in January 2020. She weighs in some of the most important developments in the industry today, from “hugely exciting” opportunities in offshore wind , tech innovation and decarbonization, to labor and recruitment challenges.The recent Infrastructure bill is a huge boost for many industries…

07 Jun 2021

FMC Accepting Applications for National Shipper Advisory Committee

© trekandphoto / Adobe Stock

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said it is accepting applications from qualified members of the international trade community wishing to serve on its newly formed National Shipper Advisory Committee (NSAC).The federal advisory committee will provide information, insight and expertise pertaining to conditions in the ocean freight delivery system to the Commission. Specifically, the committee will meet at least once a year and will advise the Commission on policies relating to the competitiveness…

15 Feb 2021

Government Update: Coast Guard Authorization Act

© Lars Johansson/AdobeStock

On January 1, 2021, in an unusual New Year’s Day session, the Senate (following similar action by the House) overrode President Trump’s veto and enacted into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R. 6395). In addition to the provisions relating to the Department of Defense, the bill contains numerous maritime sections, including Authorization Acts for the Coast Guard (USCG), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).Coast GuardThe Coast Guard Authorization Act allows for acquisition of an additional National Security Cutter…

19 Mar 2019

DAPI 101: Outreach and Enforcement

Even as the minimum Random Drug Testing Rate is raised to 50 PCT, the Coast Guard wants its mission to consist of 90% outreach and just 10% enforcement. Really.The domestic waterfront got some less-than-happy news when the U.S. Coast Guard announced that the calendar year 2019 minimum random drug testing rate had been set at 50 percent of covered crewmembers. It’s safe to say that nobody is happy about it, much less the Coast Guard itself.In truth, the Coast Guard had little to say about the matter. 46 CFR part 16.230(f)(2) requires the Commandant to set the minimum random drug testing rate at 50 percent when the positivity rate for drug use is greater than one percent.

16 Mar 2018

New Members Join NOAA’s Hydrographic Services Advisory Panel

(Photo: NOAA)

NOAA acting administrator retired Navy Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., has appointed three new members to the Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a federal advisory committee that gives NOAA independent advice for improving a range of services and products that support safe navigation and coastal resilience. Sean M. Duffy Sr., executive director, Big River Coalition, New Orleans, La. Retired USCG Capt. Julie Thomas, senior advisor, Southern California, Coastal Ocean Observing System, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif.

13 Mar 2015

Divers Find 2,000 Priceless Gold Coins

Main photo – Dr. Bridget Buxton with the Pulse 8X detector, Bottom inset – diver holds recovered gold coins, Top inset – some of the 2,000 gold coins found off Israeli coast. (Photos courtesy of JW Fishers)

Scuba divers have found the largest cache of gold coins ever discovered in Israel working on wreck site in the ancient harbor of Caesarea on the country's Mediterranean coast, reports the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA). The treasure trove of 2,000 coins weighs more than 20 pounds and dates back more than 1,000 years to the era of Fatimid Caliphate, which ruled much of the Middle East and North Africa from 909 to 1171. “It is probably the shipwreck of an official treasury boat which was on its way to the central government in Egypt with collected taxes…

12 Mar 2015

New Lineup for NOAA Hydrographic Services Panel

The Hydrographic Services Review Panel advises NOAA on improving services for navigation and coastal resilience. (Credit: NOAA)

NOAA administrator Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., has appointed six members to the Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a federal advisory committee that gives NOAA independent advice for improving a range of services and products that support navigation and coastal resilience. Capt. “Providing coastal communities, boaters, and the commercial maritime industry with timely, reliable, accurate, and authoritative information is essential as we strive to keep commerce flowing through our nation’s ports,” Sullivan said. Rear Admiral Ken Barbor (ret.), U.S. Lawson W. Capt. Gary A. Scott R.

08 Feb 2015

USCG Launch Redesigned Boating Safety Website

The U.S. Coast Guard's Office of the Auxiliary and Boating Safety has officially launched its redesigned Boating Safety website to provide easier navigation for recreational boaters to locate the information they need. "The newly redesigned website has a fresh look that is aligned with our strategic partners' visions for what is important to the recreational boating public," said Capt. F. Thomas Boross, chief of the Office of the Auxiliary and Boating Safety at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. The redesign of www.uscgboating.org offers users — whether a manufacturer, a boating safety partner or a recreational boater — a more streamlined route to quickly find the content or information they seek with a minimum number of keystrokes and clicks.

19 Jun 2014

US Coast Guard Outlines Arctic Priorities

USCG Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Jodie Knox)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger, the USCG’s Vice Commandant, presented the service’s 2014 Arctic priorities in support of the Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy at an Arctic-shipping event sponsored by the Norwegian Embassy. The USCG’s Arctic Strategy is built around three strategic objectives: improve awareness, modernize governance and broaden partnerships in the Arctic region. “Where there are humans on the water, there is a demand for us to keep them safe and secure and ensure environmental responsibility,” said Neffenger.

26 Sep 2013

Where is Government Transparency?

President Obama pledged in his first four years of office to have a more transparent government. He issued a memorandum on transparency and open government on his second day in office directing agencies to make information more available to the public in a timely manner. Sadly, the Administration has failed to achieve this goal and its decision making processes have become more opaque. The public has a right to know how the Administration develops its policies and this can only occur if the Administration is open and transparent.

23 Aug 2013

NOAA Seeks Hydrographic Panel Members

NOAA is seeking qualified candidates to apply for up to five voting member vacancies to serve on its Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) as of January 1, 2014. The HSRP is a federal advisory committee that advises the NOAA Administrator on current and emerging oceanographic and marine science technologies relating to operations, research and development; and dissemination of data pertaining to: a) hydrographic surveying; b) shoreline surveying; c) nautical charting; d) water level measurements; e) current measurements; f) geodetic measurements; g) geospatial measurements; h) geomagnetic measurements; and i) other oceanographic/marine related sciences.

20 May 2013

Insights: Rear Admiral Joseph A. Servidio

Rear Admiral Joseph A. Servidio is Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy overseeing Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. Theses directorates include waterways management, navigation and boating safety, commercial vessels, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, inspections, and port state control. His previous assignments include numerous postings in marine inspection, marine safety and investigation billets. Servidio is a graduate of the U.

08 Apr 2013

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 towing safety. Applications for TSAC membership must include a cover letter and resume. By mail: Alternate Designated Federal Official (ADFO)of TSAC, Commandant, (CG-OES-2)/TSAC U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. By e-mail to [email protected].

16 Oct 2012

LA Port Executive Ruiz Named to Federal Panel

Cynthia Ruiz

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. Department of Transportation and other U.S. agencies on issues that affect the international competitiveness of U.S. businesses.

22 Aug 2011

U.S. Navy Opens Nominations for ORAP Membership

The Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) is soliciting nominations for new members. Nominations should be submitted no later than September 15, 2011. Nominations should be submitted via e-mail to CDR Stephen D. Martin, U.S. Navy, at [email protected]. Contact Information: Office of Naval Research, 875 North Randolph Street Suite 1425, Attn: ONR Code 322B Room 1075, Arlington, VA 22203, telephone 703–696–4395. For further information contact Dr. Charles L. Vincent, Office of Naval Research, 875 North Randolph Street Suite 1425, Arlington, VA 22203–1995, telephone 703–696–4120. Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP). Under the National Ocean Policy, the National Ocean Council (NOC) Deputy-level Committee has assumed the responsibilities of the NORLC.

05 Oct 2011

Hydrographic Services Review Panel Meeting, Oct 26-27

Notice of Open Meeting: The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) is a Federal Advisory Committee established to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on matters related to the responsibilities and authorities set forth in section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, its amendments, and such other appropriate matters that the Under Secretary refers to the Panel for review and advice. The public meeting will be held on October 26-27, 2011. October 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; October 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

07 Dec 2011

Johns Receives 2011 Connie Award From CII

Connie Luncheon Held at The Newark Club, December 5; Stanley Sher Given Lifetime Achievement Recognition. Connie Award recipient is R. Kenneth Johns, former president of Sea-Land Service Inc. The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) presented the 2011 Connie Award to Robert Kenneth (Ken) Johns, former president of Sea-Land Service Inc., for his significant influence in containerization in worldwide trade and transportation. The Connie Awards luncheon was held Monday, December 5 at The Newark (NJ) Club and marked 40 years of Connie Awards. A Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Stanley Sher, a maritime attorney in Washington D.C.…

01 Feb 2012

Archaeologists Go Deep to Uncover History

University of Rhode Island’s Dr. Bridget Buxton dives on ancient shipwrecks in Israel with the Pulse 8X metal detector.

Many universities are adding or expanding their underwater archaeology programs in an effort to give students a broader educational experience and a better understanding of our maritime history. The field of underwater archaeology is expanding rapidly as the equipment required for marine exploration becomes more affordable, and more scientists and researchers learn to scuba dive. Indiana University (IU) Bloomington has one of the oldest academic diving programs in the country.

27 Jul 2012

Inland Waterways Users Board Meeting Scheduled

The Inland Waterways Users Board, sponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), will meet on 29 August in St. Louis. Agenda to include status of funding for inland navigation projects and studies and the status of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. 77 Fed. Reg. 44222 (July 27, 2012). SUMMARY: In accordance with 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463), announcement is made of the forthcoming meeting. Name of Committee: Inland Waterways Users Board (Board). Date: August 29, 2012. Location: The Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel and Suites, 400 South 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 at (314) 231–5007. Time: Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting is scheduled to adjourn at approximately 1:00 p.m.

08 Aug 2012

MERPAC to Meet in Washington, DC

Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to meet on September 11, 2012 at USCG Headquarters. AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting. SUMMARY: The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) will meet in Washington, DC, to discuss various issues related to the training and fitness of merchant marine personnel. This meeting will be open to the public. DATES: MERPAC working groups will meet on September 11, 2012, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and the full committee will meet briefly on the morning of September 11 and on September 12, 2012, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. may adjourn early if all business is finished. Written comments to be distributed to committee members and placed on MERPAC’s website are due August 31, 2012.