The Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Alert 01-17 to remind vessel owners and operators to consider all hazards related to chemical spills. In addition to potential health risks to personal involved with routine handling and clean up of spills, there is also the potential for adverse chemical reactions with vessel components, construction materials, and other items onboard.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 3/28/17: Safety alert – Indications of chemical reaction and destruction of aluminum plating

The Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Alert 02-17 to inform those that may lease and occupy portable accommodation modules on board fixed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) platforms. A recent Coast Guard investigation into a fire onboard one of these platforms revealed the manufacturer of the module (a combination galley and mess deck) had improperly installed a commercial grade electric stove. As a result, the Coast Guard strongly recommends that owners and operators having similar portable accommodations ensure that all commercial grade stoves and ovens are installed with the proper clearances to prevent ignition of combustible materials.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 3/28/17: Safety alert – Failure to follow stove/oven installation instructions

The hearing will focus on the cause of the marine casualty, the adequacy of fire fighting protection systems, regulatory compliance including any physical or design concerns, adequacy of the vessel’s safety management system and evacuation procedures, and the Coast Guard’s mass rescue operation and procedures.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 3/16/2017: Coast Guard to hold formal investigation hearing for Caribbean Fantasy

Committee will meet April 11-12, 2017 in Memphis.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 3/15/2017: Towing Safety Advisory Committee meeting in April

GLP 2016 rates will remain in effect.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 3/14/2017: Update on annual GLP rates

The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee and its working groups are scheduled to meet April 4-5, 2017, in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 3/2/2017: Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee meeting

The U.S. Coast Guard has convened a Marine Board of Investigation into the loss of F/V Destination and its six crewmembers. A Marine Board of Investigation is the highest level of investigation in the Coast Guard.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 2/28/2017: F/V Destination marine board of investigation convenes

The Coast Guard recently published a notice for its workforce governing acceptance of in-kind transportation, travel and subsistence when providing a service or thing of value to regulated industry or individuals at their request, and during the execution of prevention activities.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 2/15/2017: Rules governing Coast Guard personnel acceptance of in-kind transportation, travel and subsistence

The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on its intent to partner with Mack Boring & Parts Co, to test and evaluate diesel outboard engine systems.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 2/14/2017: Cooperative research and development agreement: diesel outboard engines

Completed applications should reach the Coast Guard on or before April 17, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 2/14/2017: Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee vacancies