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Training Challenges
The maritime industry faces a huge challenge with regard to timely and proper training of merchant mariners and other individuals within the industry. The industry is changing rapidly. These changes are driven partly by regulation, but more so through technological advances and economic pressures. Ships are evolving. The individuals who operate and maintain those ships must learn new methods of performing their duties in order to keep up.
The Bottom Line from the U.S. Salvage Leadership
In the choppy wake of regulatory changes, subtle changes in how, where and why salvors do business, high profile salvage assignments and still more lurking on the horizon…
Two Safety Updates from USCG
The Coast Guard issued a safety alert to personnel and the maritime community warning of the potential dangers of confined space entries. In the first case, an inspector was on board a tank vessel to conduct a Port State Control Examination. In anticipation of the examination, the crew opened the hatch to the Freefall Lifeboat to let it air out. As the Inspector entered the lifeboat his gas meter alarmed and he quickly exited.
Cruise Ship Blaze: USCG Issues Final Report on Carnival Splendor Fire
The Coast Guard on Monday July 15, 2013, released the final report on the investigation into the November 8, 2010, fire onboard the cruise ship Carnival Splendor.
BMT Acquires Verweij & Hoebee
To strengthen BMT’s market position in blue water surveys, BMT Group Ltd, acquired marine survey and consulting engineers, Verweij & Hoebee. A co-founder of the Association of Marine Surveyors and Consulting Engineers, Verweij & Hoebee was established in 1913 in the Netherlands and has built a strong reputation as a leading provider of both blue water (coastal) and brown water (inland) Hull & Machinery (H&M) surveys in Europe.
Non-Tankers Next on OPA 90 List
In 2008 the USCG issued the tanker final rule for salvage and marine firefighting (SMFF) under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. This rule primarily required tank ships and barges carrying oils as defined in the 33 CFR 155 as cargo to pre-contract qualified salvors to promptly respond to a marine casualty in U.S. waters. While tankers were the primary focus of the new rules, Non-Tankers – defined by the…
Shipmaster Failed to Report Ship Adrift in Aleutian Pass
Coast Guard investigators have finished a one month investigation into the operation of the 874 ft. long 'Bangkok Bridge' in Dutch Harbor. Two investigators, one from Coast Guard Sector Anchorage and one from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Dutch Harbor, assessed a $75,000 penalty for failure to report a hazardous condition. The investigation began after MSD Dutch Harbor personnel received a report of a distressed deep draft vessel in Unimak Pass…
Coast Guard Investigates Collision in Houston Ship Channel
The Coast Guard responded to a collision between a tug pushing barges and a tanker in the Houston Ship Channel Sunday. There has been no report of pollution or injury from either vessel. The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, is reporting damage to the port bow and the five barges being pushed by the tug, M.L. Crochet, sustained some damage. All vessels are currently secured and in stable condition.
Tankship, Bulk Carrier Collide off Galveston
U.S. Coast Guard reported a collision between deep draft tankship and bulk ship 30 miles off Galveston. At approximately 5:50 a.m. watchstanders at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City received a report of a collision between the 900-foot Tank Vessel Profit loaded with approximately 19 million gallons of crude oil and the 625-foot Motor Vessel Imperial Spirit loaded with grain. There has been no report of injury or pollution from either vessel…
USCG Releases Investigation Report on 2009 Parasailing Accident
The Coast Guard Thursday released the final report on the investigation of the parasailing accident involving the small passenger vessel Tied High off the coast of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., in 2009.
Insights: Rear Admiral Joseph A. Servidio
Rear Admiral Joseph A. Servidio is Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy overseeing Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. Theses directorates include waterways management, navigation and boating safety, commercial vessels, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, inspections, and port state control.
USCG Schedules Hearing for Kulluk Grounding
A Coast Guard formal marine casualty investigation hearing is scheduled for May 20 at noon, at the Anchorage Loussac Library, Assembly Hall Chambers, to investigate…
Absence of IMO Shipping Casualty Reports a Matter of Concern
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) joins with International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) submit a complaint to IMO. The joint submission to the International…
Surge Protective Devices Onboard Vessels
Surge protective devices (SPDs), more commonly known as surge protectors or power strips, help protect expensive electronic devices from being damaged from excessive currents and allow us to simultaneously deliver power to multiple devices. This safety alert addresses the use of certain electrical protection devices onboard vessels and the inherent risks they may cause. Most commercially available SPDs are designed for use ashore and will interrupt only the hot conductor when a surge occurs.
Shipowners, Unions Raise Casualty Report Concerns
Shipowners and seafarers' unions joined forces to express concern at flag states’ failure to submit maritime casualty reports as required under international Conventions.
Salvage Response under OPA 90: Non-Tankers are Next
Maritime casualties have always been tackled by a relatively small, egotistical, passionate and intrepid group of mariners called “salvors.” Salvage as history knows it, however, may be taking a sharp turn as a result of the new game rules being injected by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Back in 2008 the USCG issued the tanker final rule for salvage and marine firefighting (SMFF) under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
Surge Protective Devices Onboard Vessels
Surge protective devices (SPDs), more commonly known as surge protectors or power strips, help protect electronic devices from being damaged from excessive currents…
To Report or Not to Report - That Should Never be the Question
In the realm of marine casualties and incidents, each case has its own set of facts, cast of mariners and vessels involved and, frequently, sharp differences of opinion regarding same. The one common denominator of most marine casualties, however, is the requirement to report them to the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.). While what defines a marine casualty is often in the eyes of the beholder/mariner, it is much more prudent to err on the side of caution and…
WQIS Offerred American Salvage Association Membership
The Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) were accepted as a Corporate Associate member of the American Salvage Association (ASA) in a unanimous decision by their executive committee. The ASA is an association of professional salvors that strives to professionalize, educate and thereby improve marine casualty response. Established in 2000, the ASA endeavors to bring together regulatory authorities…
'Kulluk' Damage Assessment Continues
The Coast Guard continues oversight of the runaway Shell conical rig still anchored in Kiliuda Bay, Alaska. The Kulluk ran aground Dec. 31, 2012 on Sitkalidak Island and was later refloated and anchored in Kiliuda Bay. Coast Guard personnel from the National Center of Expertise, the Salvage Emergency Response Team and Sector Anchorage have been aboard the Kulluk to assess the vessel’s stability, identify…