In 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard promulgated an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek comprehensive public input and examine whether there is a need for a proposed rule on new anchorage grounds on the Hudson River to promote safe navigation. After a review of the comments, Rear Adm. Steven Poulin, Commander of the First Coast Guard District, suspended future rulemaking decisions and directed a formal risk identification and evaluation of the Hudson River, known as a Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment. This post provides information on the PAWSA process as well as insight into the Coast Guard’s decision to suspend rule-making activities.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 6/29/2017: Coast Guard to conduct Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment on Hudson River

The Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee announced in the Federal Register the scheduling of teleconferences in July and August to continue work from its spring meetings. The purpose will be to continue workgroup discussions on Tasks 96 and 98.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 6/26/2017: Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee meetings in July, August

This policy letter provide guidance to the Officer(s) in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) and Coast Guard marine inspectors as well as the towing industry on how to obtain initial COIs for greater than the percentage of the towing vessels outlined in 46 CFR 136.202 of 46 CFR Subchapter M.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 6/15/2017: New policy letter on Subchapter M implementation

The Coast Guard is accepting comments through July 10, 2017 on regulations you believe should be repealed, replaced, or modified.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 6/8/2017: Evaluation of existing Coast Guard regulations, guidance documents, interpretative documents, and collections of information

The Office of Investigations and Analysis issued Safety Alert 06-17 to warn mariners of the risks associated with fuel spray. This safety alert addresses yet another fuel spray fire onboard a commercial vessel. These types of incidents, involving fuel leakages […] Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 6/6/2017: Safety alert 06-17 Fuel Spray Fire – Déjà Vu

We want to hear from you if Maritime Commons is meeting your expectations and bringing you all the relevant Coast Guard information you need. Use the ‘submit ideas’ tab on the right or post in comment section.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 6/5/2017: How are we doing?

The new policy letter covers use of previously conducted audits under existing safety management systems, such as the ISM Code and American Waterways Operators’ Responsible Carrier Program, as objective evidence of compliance for the issuance of a towing vessel’s initial certificate of inspection.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 5/24/2017: New policy letter on Subchapter M implementation released

This MSIB addresses recent instances of port States misinterpreting requirements of III/6 and III/7 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), 1978, as amended.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 5/16/2017: MSIB 06-17 Electro-Technical Officer and Electro-Technical Rating endorsements

MSIB 005-17 clarifies the U.S. policy on vessel inspections and issuance of certifications as it pertains to IHR 2005.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 5/5/2017: MSIB 005-17 Ship sanitation control

Comment period extended through June 5, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 5/5/2017: Comment period extended – Great Lakes 2017 pilotage rate review