The Coast Guard proposes new base pilotage rates and surcharges using the methodology instituted in 2016. The changes would take effect 30 days after publication of a final rule. Rates for pilotage services on the Great Lakes were last revised in March 2016 and, by law, must be reviewed annually.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 10/19/2016: Proposed rulemaking – Great Lakes pilotage rates

The Navigation Safety Advisory Council will meet in Tampa, Florida, Nov. 2 and 3, 2016, to discuss matters relating to maritime collisions, rammings, and groundings, Inland Rules of the Road, International Rules of the Road, navigation regulations and equipment, routing measures, marine information, diving safety and aids to navigation systems.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 10/18/2016: Navigation Safety Advisory Council meeting

The October edition of Waves on the Waterfront is now available!
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 10/11/2016: October edition of Waves on the Waterfront now available

It has been one year since the tragic loss of the cargo ship El Faro and her 33 crew members. I encourage everyone in the maritime community to take a few moments to remember them, and reflect on the hazards faced by all seafarers. This is an extremely difficult milestone for the families and loved ones. My thoughts continue to be with them.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 10/3/2016: Remembering El Faro

The Coast Guard announced an upcoming meeting of the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee. The meeting will take place in Leesburg, Virginia, and will be open to the public.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 9/29/2016: National Maritime Security Advisory Committee meeting

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center (MSC) celebrates its 30th anniversary on Sept. 9, 2016.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 9/9/2016: 30th anniversary of the Marine Safety Center

The Coast Guard posted a notice announcing the availability of transcripts from the first hearing of the El Faro Marine Board of Investigation (MBI), held in February 2016.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 9/7/2016: El Faro Marine Board of Investigation – Transcripts available from first public hearing

The final rule to establish safety regulations for commercial towing vessels (known as “Subchapter M”) became effective July 20, 2016, with many of the requirements to be phased in over time. The final rule to establish safety regulations for commercial towing vessels (known as “Subchapter M”) became effective July 20, 2016, with many of the requirements to be phased in over time.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 9/2/2016: Subchapter M – Updated FAQs

The Coast Guard issued safety alert 12-16 to remind vessel owners and operators to periodically validate the proper operation of their vessel’s voyage data recorder (VDR).
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 9/1/2016: Safety alert – Voyage data recorders

Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy, recently met with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Forum on Cyber Resilience for an open discussion regarding cyber risk management in the marine transportation system (MTS).
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 9/1/2016: Gaining insight on cyber risk management