Former Coast Guard Commandant Dies
The U.S. Coast Guard today announced the death of Adm. J. William Kime, 72, Coast Guard commandant from 1990 to 1994, who succumbed to cancer earlier this morning. "This is a very sad day for the Coast Guard," said Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the Coast Guard. "The Coast Guard lost a close member of our family, and America has lost a great leader. In the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Adm. Kime pioneered how the Coast Guard now prevents and responds to oil and hazardous chemical spills, significantly minimizing the environmental damage caused by such spills. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Valerie, their children, and the entire Kime family during this very difficult time," Allen said.
NOAA Study Shows Value of Ports Program
The Tampa Bay economy receives more than $7 million a year in savings and direct income from the operation of the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS), according a new NOAA sponsored study. The report details the first study of the navigational aid, which is in operation at 13 major ports across the United States. Tampa's PORTS system provides accurate real-time oceanographic information tailored to the specific needs of the 6,700 commercial vessels transiting Tampa Bay each year. "The PORTS system is a good example of how research and observing system development expertise can be applied to support safe, efficient and environmentally sound marine transportation," said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C.
Flexible Membrane Covers and Seals Damages
The Gulf Responder is a 45-ft. aluminum catamaran designed to operate in oil and hazardous chemical spills. Currently under construction at Scully's Fabricating in Louisiana, the vessel's expected delivery date will be either late January or early February. The 15-ton vessel is powered by twin turbo diesel engines with water jet propulsion and equipped with two 1,000 lb. MagnaPatch devices. The MagnaPatch is a patented pollution abatement device. The device is a self-propelled, flexible, magnetic membrane that covers and seals the damages on oil and chemical bulk carrier hulls. Spanning 100 sq. ft. in total area, the MagnaPatch is 10 times larger than most hull penetrations. Weighing more than 1,000 lbs., the MagnaPatch is powerful enough to pick up a small car.
