SC Fisheries Research Vessel Repowered
A fisheries research vessel operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), was recently repowered with new eco-friendly fuel-efficient engines from Volvo Penta. The vessel R/V Palmetto underwent an overhaul at the Metal Trades shipyard near Charleston, S.C., and was put back into service in July. As part of the overhaul project, the original 1980s-era diesels were replaced by a pair of new Volvo Penta D16 MH600 Tier 3 engines with ZF W650 gears. The installation also included electronic controls and a seven-inch display screen in the wheelhouse.
BOEM & S. Carolina Agree to Evaluate Sand Resources
As a part of President Obama’s continuing commitment to help coastal communities recover from Hurricane Sandy and promote resilient coastal systems, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources signed a two-year cooperative agreement totaling $200,000 to evaluate sand resources for coastal resilience and restoration planning. The cooperative effort will enable BOEM and South Carolina to conduct research that will assist coastal communities recovering from storms like Hurricane Sandy. Under this agreement, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will evaluate and consolidate existing geological and geophysical data offshore South Carolina.
Coast Guard Determines Cause of Collision
The Coast Guard completed its preliminary investigation of the collision between the tour boat, Spirit of Charleston, and a sailboat July 22 in Charleston Harbor. The Coast Guard charged Captain O.C. Polk, the operator of the Spirit of Charleston, with negligence and misconduct for his role in the collision and for failing to report the incident to the Coast Guard. As part of the settlement agreement approved by an Administrative Law Judge, Polk will serve a three-month outright suspension of his Coast Guard issued license and must complete a Coast Guard approved vessel piloting and navigation course. Failure to complete the terms of the agreement will result in a 15-month outright suspension of Polk's license.
Commerce Committee Will Hold Port Security Field Hearing
U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced today a full Committee hearing on the implementation of the Port and Maritime Security Act on Tuesday, February 19th, 2002, at 1:30 PM at the Charleston, S.C., Maritime Center. Witnesses will include: Panel I, Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary of Transportation; Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant, United States Coast Guard; Robert C. Bonner, Commissioner, United States Customs Service; Panel II, Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor of Charleston; Keith Summey, Mayor of North Charleston, Bernard S. Groseclose, Jr., President and CEO, South Carolina State Port ; Robert M. Burdette, City of Mt. Pleasant, City Administrator, Municipal Complex; Major Alvin A.
