Coast Guard Recognizes PVA's Flagship Safety Management System
On June 12, 2017, the Coast Guard's national Director of Inspections and Compliance formally recognized PVA's Flagship Safety Management System (SMS) as an acceptable method for developing and implementing a company specific voluntary SMS. In a letter to PVA's Executive Director, Capt. Jennifer Williams stated, "The U.S. Williams' letter also acknowledged that vessel companies that effectively implement PVA Flagship SMS will be recognized and considered by local Coast Guard inspection offices for reduced scope of inspections under the Coast Guard Risk Based Decision Making policy for small passenger vessels. In response to the letter, PVA's Executive Director John Groundwater stated, "We are pleased with the Coast Guard's formal recognition of the PVA Flagship SMS program.
US Orders Owner to Clean Up Ruptured Pipeline
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard issued a joint federal Clean Water Act order to ensure the cleanup of heavy crude oil leaked from a pipeline near Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, Calif. The order requires Plains Pipeline, L.P. (a.k.a. Plains All American Pipeline), the pipeline owner and operator, to continue its cleanup work inland, beachside, and in the ocean, to contain the oil and prevent further shoreline contamination. Today’s…
SoCal Beach Cleanup Could Take Months
The U.S. Coast Guard captain overseeing cleanup of oil spilled from a pipeline rupture that closed two California state beaches and fouled offshore waters near Santa Barbara said on Thursday it may take months to restore the area to its natural condition. Up to 2,500 barrels (105,000 gallons) of crude petroleum, according to latest estimates, gushed onto San Refugio State Beach and into the Pacific about 20 miles (32 km) west of Santa Barbara on Tuesday when an underground pipeline that runs along the coastal highway burst. As much as a fifth of the amount was believed to have reached the ocean, leaving oil slicks that stretched for more than 9 miles (15 km) along the coast.
Port of Hueneme Welcomes New Brusco Tugboat
The Port of Hueneme says that over 40 Port, industry and community partners welcomed Brusco Tug & Barge's newest 78-foot by 31-foot ship assist tug, the 'Simone Brusco' at the ceremony. The Simone Brusco is the third Robert Allan-designed ship assist tug built exclusively for The Port. The new vessel is a continuation of a line of ship assist tugs for the Longview, Washington-based Brusco Tug & Barge, named in honor of the late daughter of Bo and Teri Brusco, Simone. The Port explains that like her sister tugs, the Simone is outfitted with a forward electric Markey Render/Recover hawser winch as well as a 1,500 gpm fire pump and monitor. The Simone can not only pour water on a shipboard fire, but act as an auxiliary water source for shore-based emergencies as well.
USCG Seeks Advisory Committee Members
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking applications for appointment to the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (CFIVAC). As a result of the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988, the Coast Guard established the CFIVAC to provide advice to the Coast Guard on commercial fishing safety-related issues. The CFIVAC is comprised of 17 members who serve a three-year term. Applications will be considered for five positions and will become vacant October 2001 in the following categories: Commercial Fishing Industry (two positions), General Public (one position), Education/training (one position), and Marine Insurance (one position). The committee meets at least once a year in various cities nationwide.
