The Committee will meet Thursday, December 14, 2017 to review and discuss the results of the “Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 05-17; Guidelines for Addressing Cyber Risks at Maritime Transportation Security Act Regulated Facilities” task.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 11/27/2017: National Maritime Security Advisory Committee teleconference

The U.S. Coast Guard will hold a public town hall meeting December 11, 2017, to disseminate information related to the 2020 entry into force of international standards affecting the testing and maintenance of lifeboats, rescue boats and launching appliances, and authorization of service providers. This meeting pertains to new requirements the IMO adopted in 2016 related to maintenance of lifesaving equipment on vessels subject to SOLAS.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 11/22/2017: Notice of public meeting: International standards pertaining to maintenance, repair and training of servicing technicians for lifeboats, rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear

The Coast Guard is seeking public input on its intent to enter into a cooperative research and development agreement with several companies to evaluate small unmanned aircraft systems sensors or payloads, to determine their potential use in a maritime environment by first responders and DHS operational components.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 11/20/2017: Cooperative research and development agreement-Robotic aircraft for sensors program for maritime

Started in 1995, the award recognizes corporations and businesses involved in marine facility or vessel operations which have demonstrated sustained excellence and outstanding achievement in protecting the marine environment.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 11/15/2017: Application period open for Rear Adm. William M. Benkert Award for excellence in environmental protection

The Coast Guard and the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) held their bi-annual Quality Partnership Meeting Oct. 26, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss safety issues and other topics affecting the professional passenger vessel industry. Maritime Commons attended the meeting and is providing a summary of the discussions and key takeaways.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 11/6/2017: Coast Guard-Passenger Vessel Association Quality Partnership Meeting recap

The public comment period on the Waterway Suitability Assessment for Operation of Liquefied Hazardous Gas Terminal; Port Arthur, Texas, has been extended through Nov. 30, 2017, to allow interested parties additional time to respond due to the effects from Hurricane Harvey.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 10/31/2017: Comment period for Port Arthur waterway suitability assessment extended 30 days

TOSAC and its subcommittees will meet Dec. 5-6, 2017, in New Orleans.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 10/27/2017: Towing Safety Advisory Committee meeting scheduled

This final rule updates the table of outboard engine weights used in calculating safe loading capacities and required amounts of flotation material. The engine weight table was last updated in 1984, and the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 requires that the Coast Guard update the table to reflect a specific standard. This final rule is effective June 1, 2018.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 10/27/2017: Update of recreational boat outboard engine weight test requirements

The Committee and its Subcommittees will meet in Houston, Texas, Dec. 12-13, 2017, to discuss the safety of operations and other matters affecting the offshore oil and gas industry.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 10/25/2017: National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee meeting scheduled

the Navigation Safety Advisory Council is scheduled to meet November 1-2 in Arlington, Virginia, 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: 10/16/2017: Navigation Safety Advisory Council meeting scheduled