Union Maritime Tanker MT Barrett Disappeared in Gulf of Guinea
London-based tanker owner company Union Maritime vessel stated that, MT Barrett, a product tanker which was at anchor off Benin, West Africa has not been heard from since late on Tuesday 9th January. "On Wednesday we alerted local maritime authorities and are exploring all possible options and efforts as we continuously monitor the situation. Whilst we are tirelessly working to locate the vessel, our primary concern is for the 22 crew on board and ensuring their safety," said a press release from the company. Union Maritime regularly operates from ports in this region and has a rigorous safety and security protocol. Crews are repeatedly drilled in all safety and emergency procedures. The MT Barrett is a 11999-dwt tanker built 2005 and registered in the Marshall Islands.
Smart Card Alliance Conveys TWIC Suggestions to USCG
Limiting the use of Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) smart cards and readers will create significant security vulnerabilities in our maritime infrastructure, the Smart Card Alliance Access Control Council said in comments submitted this week to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Smart Card Alliance’s comments referred to the Coast Guard’s Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Reader Requirements Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The rulemaking proposes limiting the use of tamper-resistant, biometrically-enabled TWIC smart cards and readers, and proposes relying on visual inspection of TWIC cards as the primary security protocol for 95% of the maritime user population.
Buzz Marine Adds Switchbox to HubbaX
UK based Buzz Marine, the suppliers of HubbaX mobile broadband for maritime applications, has developed a new system for its mini dome to allow automatic switch from a vessel’s VSAT communications system to its land-based mobile system on which the HubbaX operates. The changeover is delivered through an intelligent ‘switchbox’ which prefers the 3G signal, when no 3G signal is available VSAT connection continues. With the signal strength benefits of the HubbaX (up to four times more powerful and more stable than a mobile phone) connection can be achieved up to 20 miles offshore…
