Retractable pilothouses offer towing vessel operators great flexibility in meeting the many operational demands of inland navigation. This post offers recommendations to ensure the safety of all crew members involved in their operation.
Source: USCG
Link: An important safety consideration – Hazards of retractable pilothouses on towboats
Recently, an investigation of a towing vessel loss of propulsion revealed gaps in the implementation of the vessel’s TSMS that were casual to the incident and a result of poor TSMS-to-TSMS transition.
Source: USCG
Link: Towing vessel under charter? Don’t let it cause a break in the safety system
The Outer Continental Shelf National Center of Expertise announced the publication of informational guides on GMDSS and Dynamic Positioning systems for use by maritime industry professionals and the marine safety community.
Source: USCG
Link: New resources available for the OCS maritime community
The Office of Port & Facility Compliance is reminding owners/operators to list the National Response Center’s 24-hour hotline, 800-424-8802, in their facility/vessel security plans for reporting maritime security and cybersecurity incidents to the Coast Guard.
Source: USCG
Link: Reporting security incidents to National Response Center
The code for the public to access the teleconference line for the Dec. 5, 2019, public meeting on consistent implementation of Global 0.50% Sulfur Limit has changed. Anyone wishing to call in for the meeting should dial 202-475-4000, and enter 405 789 52# when prompted for the participant access code.
Source: USCG
Link: Updated teleconference information for public meeting on global 0.50% sulfur limit
The zones will be established from Cape Canaveral, Florida, into the Atlantic Ocean in different areas based on the flight path. The safety zones are designed to keep vessels from entering the launch area while an active rocket launch is taking place. The first use is scheduled for a December 4 or December 5 SpaceX launch.
Source: USCG
Link: Automatic Identification System Private Aids to Navigation to mark SpaceX launch restricted zones
The United States was recently re-elected for a two-year term on the International Maritime Organization Council.
Source: USCG
Link: United States re-elected to International Maritime Organization Council for 2020-2021 during the 31st Session of the Assembly
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking applications from the maritime industry for the 2020 Benkert Award for Environmental Excellence. Applications are due by January 31, 2020.
Source: USCG
Link: Don’t miss the January 31, 2020, deadline to submit nominations for the Rear Adm. William M. Benkert Award for Environmental Excellence
The Office of Port and Facility Compliance announces the publication of the consolidated report on the status and work completed in 2018 by Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs).
Source: USCG
Link: Area Maritime Security Committees 2018 Annual Report published
The Coast Guard published a NVIC that provides guidance to the maritime industry and Coast Guard personnel describing how vessel owners and operators may comply with amendments to SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 3 and 20, that will enter into force on January 1, 2020.
Source: USCG
Link: NVIC: Maintenance, examination, testing, and repair of lifesaving systems