Feature: Barge Movement Tracking of Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDCs) Mandated
On May 2, 2003, the USCG published two Temporary Final Rules establishing Regulated Navigation Areas (RNAs) in the Federal Register governing the movement (by barge) of Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDCs) upon the inland rivers of the Eighth Coast Guard District and the Illinois Waterway System in the Ninth Coast Guard District. The rules will apply from April 16, 2003, until October 31, 2003. Any movement of CDCs by barge within the waters specified must be reported to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center (IRVMC) by telephone, fax, or e-mail. The USCG indicates that no Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published as this notice falls under the exemption to the Administrative Procedures Act contained in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002.
Port Security: More Port Security Grant Money Necessary
In early 2002, and again in 2003, the federal government offered rounds of Port Security Grants. They were ostensibly Transportation Security Administration monies administered and meted out jointly by the US Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). There was $93 million in 2002 and about $104 million in 2003. The 2003 grant process is just now being concluded. The most recent opportunity to submit an application to obtain grant monies (out of the funds allocated for this round) closed on February 27, 2003. The distribution of these funds is expected in May, 2003. While the 2003 grants have not yet been distributed, various port authorities around the country have been the dominant users of the previous grants…
Legislative Insider: Compliance with the New Security Standards
War is upon us. One cannot help but think that war and its impact upon our everyday lives will be with us, both directly and indirectly, for years to come. The US coalition forces will persevere and, in the end, prevail. The costs must be measured in human lives as well as dollars. Our world has forever changed and will continue to evolve in the aftermath of the war into the unforeseeable future. Security is part of the cost of living in this new, post-9/11 world. The security matrix being imposed upon the maritime community by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the USCG, in the form of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), is complex and at least somewhat baffling.
