What the Heck is ‘Privity’?
Is the Limitation of Liability Act Still Relevant? In the aftermath of the El Faro disaster, that vessel’s owners exercised their right to file a petition to limit their liability in accordance with the U.S. Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act, 46 USC §30501, et seq. This evoked negative press and social media reaction with a now-familiar refrain: Why should a shipowner escape full liability for a disaster by hiding behind a 19th-century (i.e., outdated, antique, ancient) statute?
Jacksonville Adds PORTS Real-time Data System
Officials from NOAA, the Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange, and the Jacksonville Port Authority officially dedicated a new information system today which will increase safety for ships using the St. Johns River. The system, called Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS), provides real-time information on water levels, currents, meteorological conditions, and under-bridge clearance, giving users critical information when traveling through the river. The St. Johns River in Jacksonville will become the 23rd location to use the system and is the second largest PORTS ever established. “Our nation’s ports are critical cogs in our country’s economic engine,” said Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
GeoVS Installs Vessel Management System in Poole Harbor
GeoVS was awarded a contract to supply and install its system in Poole Harbor, Dorset. The system brings a step change in monitoring and managing ship movements in ports and restricted waterways. Dr. Rafal Goralski, Technical Director of GeoVS, a University of Glamorgan spin off company, explained the system is particularly appropriate for Poole Harbor, a growing port with a narrow entrance and restricted channel leading to its cargo quays. Existing vessel tracking systems largely rely on radar signals and present only a two dimensional picture of vessels on an electronic chart…
3D Vessel Tracking: A New Course in Port Traffic Control
Marine operators and entities have long struggled with the most efficient, effective means to monitor and manage traffic in increasingly busy ports around the world. The marine industry, unlike the airline industry, is unique in that mixed with high levels of commercial traffic is a broad and ever changing mix of personal watercraft of varying sizes, with equal variables in terms of operator experience. Thus the ability to rapidly collect, compute, disseminate and act on information is central to safe port operations. A U.K.
C-Vu 3D VTS: New 3D Vessel Tracking System
The new course to follow in controlling port traffic. A step change to enhance safety and improve operational efficiency. Large ships navigating narrow waterways are always vulnerable to accidents – one only has to think of the Sea Empress tanker disaster at Milford Haven, or more recently the wrecking of the Costa Concordia. Managing their progress, usually in and out of ports and in other restricted channels, has understandably assumed a critical role in ensuring their safety.
CG Amendments Subject of Hearing
Legislation to amend and improve laws relating to the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime transportation will be the subject of a Congressional hearing on Thursday. The legislation, the Coast Guard Amendments of 2005, has not yet been introduced in the U.S. House. The hearing by the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 12th in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building. Mr. Calvin M. Lederer, Deputy Judge Advocate General of the United States Coast Guard, will testify at Thursday’s hearing. Section 101 redefines “navigable waters of the United States” to include territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from shore…
OTE Debuts in Providence
The inaugural OceanTech Expo (OTE) debuted today at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The industry-led expo, slated for September 5-7, will showcase new equipment, training and demonstrations of technologies in the marine science and ocean technology industries. OTE will feature emerging trends in subsea technologies and markets, as they pertain to: homeland security, port & harbor defense; military and government; offshore oil & gas; and marine science and exploration. Speaker: Charles A. Martinek, Captain, U.S. Speaker: Mr. Speaker: Mr. Speaker: Dr. F. Mary Williams, Director General, Institute of Ocean Technology (IOT) of the National Research Council of Canada, St. Speaker: Donald R. Moderator: Ms. Marianne Molchan, President, Molchan Marine Sciences, Inc.
JRC Announces New Program
JRC North America, the Seattle-based branch of Japan Radio Co., Ltd., has announced an aggressive new program to gain an increased share of the marine electronics market in the U.S. and Canada. Ray Carter, national sales manager, said JRC will pursue greater sales in electronics for the pleasurecraft, megayacht, commercial fishing and workboat markets. The company has already stated prices will not raise prices on its products in 2999 The company offers radards from compact 16-mile units for small boats to 120-mile systems and sophisticated ARPA for high seas use. The line includes LCD and CRT instruments with six to 28 in. screens, some in color.
