MC Staff – Maritime Consulting

Notice of proposed rulemaking: Electronic Submission of Facility Operations and Emergency Manuals

November 27, 2020

The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register a proposed rule to enable electronic submission of Operations Manuals and Emergency Manuals and electronic communication between the operators of regulated facilities and the Coast Guard, reducing the time and cost associated with mailing and processing printed manuals.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: Notice of proposed rulemaking: Electronic Submission of Facility Operations and Emergency Manuals

2020 edition of The Gas Gauge Newsletter now available.

November 27, 2020

The Coast Guard’s Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE) published its 2020 edition of The Gas Gauge, a newsletter to share Coast Guard involvement and regulatory updates about the liquefied gas industry.
Source: USCG
Link: 2020 edition of The Gas Gauge Newsletter now available.

Notice of Public Scoping Meeting for the Blue Marlin Offshore Port License Application

November 25, 2020

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) announce their intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Blue Marlin Offshore port license application. Blue Marlin Offshore Port, LLC proposes the construction and operation of a deepwater port that would be located approximately 99 statute miles off the coast of Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: Notice of Public Scoping Meeting for the Blue Marlin Offshore Port License Application

Gulf of Mexico AMSC conducts insider threat and cybersecurity exercise

November 25, 2020

The Gulf of Mexico Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) conducted its annual security exercise from New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 17, 2020. Due to the restrictions on in-person gatherings due to COVID-19, the exercise was held via virtual online conference.
Source: USCG
Link: Gulf of Mexico AMSC conducts insider threat and cybersecurity exercise

Announcement of the 2019 Area Maritime Security Committee of the Year Winner

November 25, 2020

Rear Adm. Richard Timme, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, is pleased to announce that the Puget Sound Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) has been recognized as the recipient of the 2019 AMSC of the Year award.
Source: USCG
Link: Announcement of the 2019 Area Maritime Security Committee of the Year Winner

Winners of the 2020 Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security announced

November 23, 2020

The U.S. Coast Guard is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security. This biennial award serves to highlight and recognize […] Source: USCG
Link: Winners of the 2020 Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security announced

Policy Letter: Testing Alternate Components for a Type-Approved Ballast Water Management System

November 18, 2020

The Coast Guard’s Office of Operating and Environmental Standards has published a Policy Letter to provide guidance on the testing and validation of alternate components requested to be used with a type-approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS).
Source: USCG
Link: Policy Letter: Testing Alternate Components for a Type-Approved Ballast Water Management System

Area Maritime Security Committees 2019 Annual Report – Challenges, Suggestions, Accomplishments, and Best Practices

November 13, 2020

The Office of Port and Facility Compliance is pleased to announce the publication of a consolidated report on the status and work completed in 2019 by Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs).
Source: USCG
Link: Area Maritime Security Committees 2019 Annual Report – Challenges, Suggestions, Accomplishments, and Best Practices

Revisions to MARPOL Annex II and IBC Code

November 13, 2020

MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code have revisions that will be coming into effect on January 1, 2021.
Source: USCG
Link: Revisions to MARPOL Annex II and IBC Code

Framework for Conditional Sailing and Initial Phase COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Protection of Crew

November 9, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced in the Federal Register a framework for a phased resumption of cruise ship passenger operations.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: Framework for Conditional Sailing and Initial Phase COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Protection of Crew