This post provides information on the witness testimony schedule and options for remote public viewing of the fishing vessel Destination marine board of investigation (MBI). The hearing session will focus on weather and human factors as well as the mechanical state and stability of the vessel before and during its final voyage.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 8/4/2017: Witness schedule for F/V Destination marine board of investigation set

Recent inquiries by Coast Guard marine inspectors indicate that a large number of vessel operators and ship masters continue to rely on outdated high seas communications frequencies when communicating with the Coast Guard. This Safety Alert reminds all mariners of the appropriate use of Single Side Band High Frequency (SSB-HF) radios when attempting to contact the Coast Guard outside the normal range of Very High Frequency-Frequency Modulation (VHF-FM) marine radios.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 8/3/2017: Marine Safety Alert 08-17 – Knowing your high seas comms equipment may save your life

The collection of information requires the owner, operator, agent, or master of a vessel to apply in writing to the Coast Guard before the commencement of an inspection for certification, when a waiver is desired from the requirements of navigation and vessel inspection, or to request a Continuous Synopsis Record. Comments must be received by Oct. 2, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 8/3/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Application for vessel inspection, waiver, and continuous synopsis record

The Coast Guard seeks comments from vessel operators on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for Oil and Hazardous Materials Transfer Procedures without change. Comments must be received by Oct. 2, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 8/3/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Oil and hazardous materials transfers

This new agreement signed July 20, 2017, outlines specific operating standards for organizations such as NCB including record keeping, quality management systems, training and qualification of personnel, liability, and governmental oversight of activities.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 8/1/2017: Coast Guard and National Cargo Bureau sign Memorandum of Agreement

The Memorandum of Agreement is for inspections and tests performed on U.S. flagged vessels by ICGB on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 7/31/2017: Coast Guard and International Cargo Gear Bureau sign Memorandum of Agreement

The Coast Guard seeks comments on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for Carriage of Bulk Solids Requiring Special Handling without change. Comments must be received by Aug. 28, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 7/28/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Carriage of bulk solids

Each year, the Coast Guard, in partnership with the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Mystic Aquarium and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (OAS-CIP), sponsors a student art program contest with themes that relate to the marine environment. Check out the winners of the contest!
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 7/28/2017: “Connecting Ships, Ports, and People” student art program contest winners

The full council is scheduled to meet by teleconference Aug. 23, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT, to help the Coast Guard identify existing regulations, guidance, and collections of information (that fall within the scope of the committee’s charter) for possible repeal, replacement, or modification.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 7/27/2017: Coast Guard seeks Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee’s assistance on regulatory evaluations

The Coast Guard would appreciate comments from owners, operators and masters of vessels for the collection of information for the Plan Approval and Records for Subdivision and Stability Regulations—Title 46 CFR Subchapter S without change. The regulations require owners, operators, or masters of certain inspected vessels to obtain and/or post various documents as part of the Coast Guard commercial vessel safety program. Title 46 U.S.C. 3306 authorizes the Coast Guard to prescribe rules for the safety of certain vessels. Comments must be received by Sept. 25, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 7/27/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Plan approval, records for subdivision and stability (Subchapter S)