The Office of Port and Facility Compliance posted a Marine Safety Information Bulletin to summarize the requirements and timeline for MTSA-regulated maritime facilities to implement a system providing seafarers, pilots, and representatives of seamen’s welfare and labor organizations access between vessels moored at the facility and the facility gate, in a timely manner and at no cost to the seafarer or other individuals. The MSIB does not provide any new information, but we are sharing it for the convenience of our readers.
Public hearings on Liquefied Gas Carriers transiting through San Juan Harbor, San Juan, PR
The Coast Guard will hold two public meetings July 26, 2019, to hear input regarding the safe navigation and mooring of liquefied gas carriers in San Juan Harbor.
Update to guidance for TSMS option vessels under Subchapter M
The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance recently updated the work instruction “Towing Vessel COI Inspections under TSMS Option.” Updates include but are not limited to adding annual and renewal Certificate of Inspection guidance for Towing Safety Management System option vessels inspected under Subchapter M.
Certificate of Documentation guidance during application processing delays
The National Vessel Documentation Center is experiencing delays in the time necessary to issue a Certificate of Documentation due to performance issues associated with its Information Technology System. The Coast Guard recognizes the need to minimize the effect on the maritime community and is providing guidance to minimize the impact of these delays.
Guidance on the enforcement of radar observer requirements prior to July 22, 2019
With the pending implementation of the Final Rule amending marine radar observer refresher training requirements, the Office of Commerical Vessel Compliance announced that mariners will be considered in compliance with radar observer requirements if they hold a valid Merchant Mariner Credential containing the appropriate endorsement as Radar Observer. This policy will expire July 22, 2019, the Final Rule’s implementation date.
Liquefied gas cargoes for use as marine fuel
The establishment of air emissions regulations in the form of Emission Control Areas (ECA) and the approaching IMO 2020 sulfur cap have driven the search for economically, commercially, and environmentally acceptable marine fuels. With advancements in technologies and the significant growth of U.S. liquefied gas export markets, Coast Guard examiners are seeing a new trend on vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ethane; these vessels are using their cargoes as fuel during ocean transits. In this post, we provide industry with instructions for vessels to request permission to use cargoes other than methane as fuel.
Latest issue of The Gas Gauge Newsletter now available
The Coast Guard’s Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise published its 2019 Summer edition of The Gas Gauge, a newsletter to share Coast Guard involvement and regulatory updates about the liquefied gas industry.
Marine Safety Center receives new application for ballast water management system type-approval
The Marine Safety Center received its 27th application for type approval for the EcoGuardianTM Ballast Water Treatment System manufactured by HANLA IMS Co., Ltd.
Field Notice 01-2019: Ship Rider program
Field Notice 01-2019 describes the objectives and scope of the Coast Guard’s Advanced Liquefied Gas Ship Rider Program and the functional descriptions and responsibilities of all involved Coast Guard personnel.
