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Public Law News

27 Sep 2022

New Bill Aims to Increase US Federal Funding for Public Ferry Service

© sheilaf2002 / Adobe Stock

A new bill recently introduced by Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) aims to increase federal funding for public ferry services in the United States.The “Ferry Service Expansion Act” would boost funding for both the Federal Highway Administration’s formula and the Federal Transit Administration’s competitive grant programs to the levels requested by the Public Ferry Coalition, building upon New Federal Investment in Ferry Service under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.Specifically…

19 Jan 2022

US Army Corps Announces Spend Plan

© Elena Milovzorova / Adobe Stock

The U.S. Army on Wednesday announced  the Civil Works studies, projects and programs that the Corps would implement in Fiscal Year 2022 with the $22.81 billion in supplemental funding provided in two recently enacted laws — the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; and the 2022 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.The spend plan supports the Administration hitting the ground running by focusing on current Fiscal Year 2022 spending. Future announcements will provide spend plans for subsequent years.

15 Oct 2019

USCG VIDA policy proposal

© madscinbca/AdobeStock

On 31 July, the US Coast Guard published a notice in the Federal Register stating that it is seeking comments on a draft policy letter that, if adopted, would establish the Coast Guard’s policy for acceptance of type-approval testing protocols for ballast water management systems (BWMSs) that render nonviable organisms in ballast water and may be used in addition to the methods under existing regulations. This policy would include the process for incorporating accepted protocols into the type-approval procedures established under existing regulations…

11 Oct 2019

DHS, USCG Extend Contract Relief ESG for OPC

File image (CREDIT: ESG)

The Department of Homeland Security, in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, granted extraordinary relief to the Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) under the authority of Public Law (P.L.) 85-804.ESG submitted a request June 30, 2019, for extraordinary relief after their shipbuilding facilities sustained significant damages from Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm, in October 2018.Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan…

12 Dec 2017

Op/Ed: Making the Mississippi River Mightier

© Vladimir Melnikov / Adobe Stock

A plan unfolds and support grows for a 50-foot Ship Channel to support economical and efficient grain exports. The Big River Coalition remains at the heart of that collaborative effort to make the Mississippi River Mightier. In 2012, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Institute of Water Resources (IWR) released a report under the direction of Congress to document the status of U.S. Ports to accept post-panamax vessels. The report, entitled, “U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization: Preparing for Post-Panamax Vessels” was officially released on June 20, 2012.

05 Apr 2017

Poland has Natgas Exports 'understanding' with U.S.

Poland's desire to cut natural gas imports from Russia has led to an "understanding" with the United States to work toward a deal to export liquefied natural gas to its new Baltic Sea terminal, the country's deputy prime minister said on Wednesday. Mateusz Morawiecki, who is also the minister of economic development and finance, said in an interview that discussions with new U.S. "The word agreement is probably premature. Understanding? Absolutely," Morawiecki said as he wrapped up a three-day U.S. visit with stops in Washington, Boston and New York. Poland's liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Baltic Sea was completed in 2015 and opened last year. It has an annual capacity of 5 billion cubic meters, which the government wants to double in the next few years, Morawiecki said.

13 May 2016

This Day In Naval History: May 13

USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) (bottom), USS Long Beach (CGN 9) (center) and USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25) (top) in 1964 (U.S. Navy photo)

1846 - Congress declares war against Mexico. Commodore David Conner is responsible for the landing of the Army at Vera Cruz. In April 1847, Commodore Matthew C. Perry relieves Conner. On Feb. 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed ending hostilities. 1908 - The Navy Nurse Corps is established by Public Law No. 115, though nurses have been volunteering onboard Navy ships prior to the Civil War. 1908 - The Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, later called Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard…

02 Mar 2016

Insights: Edward E. Belk, USACE

Insights: Edward E. Belk -  Chief, Operations and Regulatory Division Directorate of Civil Works, U.S. Edward E. Belk, Jr. currently serves as the Chief of Operations and Regulatory Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He also provides leadership and oversight for activities and programs within the Corps’ Lakes and Rivers and North Atlantic Regional Integration Teams. Selected by the Secretary of the Army into the Senior Executive Service in May 2012, Mr. Belk provides national oversight of the development, resourcing and delivery of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) programs for the Civil Works infrastructure portfolio and for Corps operational programs such as hydroelectric power…

09 Jan 2016

Progress in Efforts to Address Sexual Assault - DoD

The Department of Defense today released its Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies (MSA) for academic program year (APY) 2014 - 2015. As part of a comprehensive review, DoD officials conducted site visits at the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy, held focus groups with cadets and midshipmen, and reviewed academy policies, training, and procedures. “We are encouraged by the steps the academies have taken to eliminate sexual assault,” said Maj. Gen. Camille Nichols, the director of the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. “All three academies are taking innovative approaches to improve both respect and safety of cadets and midshipmen.

23 Feb 2015

MARAD Certifying Cruise Security, Safety Training

Photo: Antonio Ferrer

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) informs it has begun certifying cruise vessel security and safety training program providers. As part of the voluntary certification, MARAD will review training plans and supporting information for consistency with training standards established under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010, which imposes new security and safety standards on cruise ships. MARAD will issue certifications effective for five years to successful training provider applicants, and will list certified training organizations on its website.

12 Jan 2015

US Ferries Are Safer, but Regulatory Burdens Grow

In recent years, ferries have been in the spotlight, in part because of growing mass transit needs and increased road congestion, but also because of concerns about the deadly South Korean ferry sinking last April. We asked Captain Terri Bernstein, the Passenger Vessel Association’s 2014 President, about the industry’s status in the United States. Based in Alexandria, VA, the PVA has over 500 member companies. Ferries are safer, especially since 9/11, but regulatory requirements have swelled and can be onerous, Bernstein said. She’s the owner of BB Riverboats, Inc.

10 Nov 2014

Offshore Supply Vessels: The U.S. Can Compete

After all, the industry was created in America ... it is only appropriate that the United States dominate it again. Offshore supply vessels (OSVs), also known as platform supply vessels (PSVs), have been a distinct vessel type since 1956, when the MV Ebb Tide was placed into service in the Gulf of Mexico. Ebb Tide was designed by Alden J. “Doc” Laborde to meet the growing demand for vessels to service the increasing number of offshore oil drilling rigs in those waters. Previously, this new industry had been served, albeit inadequately, by existing vessels, particularly surplus amphibious assault barges. Ebb Tide was designed with the pilot house at the bow and with an open deck from there aft to the stern.

24 Jan 2013

Sea Tow Services International Celebrates Thirty Years

Your Road Service at Sea (R) Reaches Milestone Worth Celebrating. For three decades Captain Joe Frohnhoefer and his wife Georgia of Sea Tow Services International have leveraged their greatest strengths-- Captain Joe's in-depth knowledge of the sea and Georgia's meticulous attention to detail-- and built an impressive worldwide network of everyday heroes, their Sea Tow Captains. Throughout 2013, Sea Tow International will celebrate these efforts and reflect on the ground-breaking accomplishments of the past thirty years.

20 Jun 2014

International Maritime Prize for Mexican Legal Expert

The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) informs it decided at its recent meeting to award the International Maritime Prize for 2013 to Dr. José Eusebio Salgado y Salgado, Mexican academic and author of the Manual de Derecho Internacional Marítimo (Manual of International Maritime Law), for his significant contribution to the work and objectives of IMO. In nominating his candidature, the Government of Mexico drew attention to Dr. Salgado y Salgado’s distinguished career as an academic in international maritime law, during his 40-year tenure as a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Biography of Dr. Dr.

07 Jul 2014

Obama Trade Law Survives Chinese WTO Appeal

U.S. President Barack Obama (White House photo)

China failed to overturn a U.S. law targeting unfair trade subsidies on Monday, when the World Trade Organization's Appellate Body said it did not have enough information to uphold China's appeal against an earlier WTO ruling. China had claimed that the U.S. "Public Law 112-99", also known as the GTX legislation, which was signed by President Barack Obama in March 2012, broke world trade rules, but a WTO dispute panel ruled against it in March. The Appellate Body disagreed with…

27 May 2011

This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History - May 27

1919-First Lieutenant Elmer F. Stone, USCG, piloting the Navy's flying boat NC-4 in the first successful trans-Atlantic flight, landed in the Tagus River estuary near Lisbon, Portugal on 27 May 1919. Stone was decorated that same day by the Portuguese government with the Order of the Tower and Sword. 1936-Public Law 622 reorganized and changed the name of the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection Service to Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation (49 Stat. L., 1380). The Bureau remained under Commerce Department control. 1943- Douglas Munro's posthumous Medal of Honor was given to Douglas Munro's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Munro of South Cle Elum, Washington, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, May 27, 1943.

19 Sep 2011

Regulation of Vessel Discharges

Matthew Valcourt

Regulatory burdens, those here and now coming, translate into a tale of many acronyms. By Matthew Valcourt (taken from our September 2011 MarineNews print edition). The latest trend to further regulate vessel emissions and discharges will continue to give vessel owners and operators – already burdened with numerous regulations when plying international and inland waters – more sleepless nights. These include the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), the Clean Water Act (CWA)…

07 Oct 2011

This Day in Navy History: October 6 to 9

1884 - Department of the Navy establishes the Naval War College at Newport, RI (General Order 325). 1940 - Fourth group of 8 U.S. destroyers involved in Destroyers for Bases Deal are turned over to British authorities at Halifax, Canada. 1943 - In night Battle of Vella Lavella, 3 U.S. 1958 - USS Seawolf (SSN-575) completes record submerged run of 60 days, logging over 13,700 nautical miles. 1997 - NASA Astronaut CDR Wendy B. Lawrence, USN returns from mission of STS-86: Shuttle -Mir 7 when Atlantis docked with Mir Space Station. The mission began on 25 September. 1864 - USS Washusett captures Confederate raider CSS Florida in harbor of Bahia, Brazil. 1924 - Rigid airship Shenandoah commences transcontinental flight.

08 Sep 2014

MN 100: Moose Boats, Inc.

Moose Boats is recognized for being a leader in supplying high quality customized mission-specific catamaran vessels. Shallow draft, high load capacity and safety during dive or rescue operations make Moose Boats outfitted with water-jet propulsion ideal vessels for emergency response and law enforcement agencies. Engineering excellence, attention to detail in combination with exceptional fit and finish quality has bolstered Moose Boats’ reputation. Moose Boats is arguably known domestically as the highest quality source of aluminum small-craft for Military…

07 Oct 2013

Today in U.S. Naval History: October 7

USS Washusett lithograph, courtesy of Charles H. Bogart. (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.)

Today in U.S. Naval History - October 7 1864 - USS Washusett captures Confederate raider CSS Florida in harbor of Bahia, Brazil. 1924 - Rigid airship Shenandoah commences transcontinental flight. 1975 - President Gerald Ford signs law allowing admission of women into service academies (Public Law 94-106). 2001 - Operation Enduring Freedom begins with carrier air strikes, and ship and submarine Tomahamk strikes. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

24 Oct 2013

Sabine-Neches Waterway Improvement Authorized

Sabine-Neches Waterway: Photo credit Port Beaumont

The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, which lays out the way the United States improves and maintains vital ports and waterways. The bill authorizes construction of the proposed Sabine-Neches Waterway channel improvement project. (The waterway is a set of interlocking river channels and canals extending from the Gulf of Mexico to Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Orange, Texas). The proposed project would deepen the…

07 Apr 2014

OMB - review of draft OSV rule

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 removed the size limit on offshore supply vessels (OSVs). The Act also directed the Coast Guard to issue, as soon as is practicable, a regulation to implement section 617 of the Act and to ensure the safe carriage of oil, hazardous substances, and individuals in addition to the crew on vessels of at least 6,000 gross tonnage as measured under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (6,000 GT ITC). Accordingly, the Coast Guard's rule will address design, manning, carriage of personnel, and related topics for OSVs of at least 6,000 GT ITC. This rulemaking will meet the requirements of the Act and will support the Coast Guard's mission of marine safety, security, and stewardship.

21 Nov 2012

PVA Calls for TWIC Re-Evaluation

Passenger Vessel Association Marks 10th Anniversary of Maritime Security Law; Calls for Reevaluation of TWIC. On the tenth anniversary of the enactment of the landmark Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) (Public Law 107-295), the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) takes note of the far-reaching security enhancements adopted by the U.S. flagged passenger vessel industry but also calls on Congress to re-evaluate the expensive and unsuccessful Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.