The Coast Guard Director of Incident Management and Preparedness issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 02-20, “Novel Coronavirus,” to provide additional information and guidance to the maritime community regarding the current novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
LT Amy Midgett
Congressional Hearing Alert: The Northern Northern Border: Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part II
U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Adm. Charles W. Ray will testify at a Congressional hearing focused on the Arctic February 5 at 10 a.m.
Improper bonding during gas freeing leads to dangerous results
Flammable vapors within a cargo tank are removed using mechanical air-moving equipment. As outside air is introduced into the cargo tank, the vapor/air mixture within the tank, and near the tank openings, will fall into the flammable range. During this time, if the air moving equipment used to gas free the cargo tank is not the proper type, is not properly maintained, or is not properly electrically bonded and secured to the vessel’s structure, static electricity generated by the air moving equipment can discharge as an electric arc and ignite the flammable vapor/air mixture. This post provides guidance to vessel owners/operators about the proper procedures to prevent potentially deadly explosions.
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) Update: AIS Access and Reporting and Enforcement Data Working Group
In this post, the Office of Operating and Environmental Standards provides an overview of a recent conference call with 55 states and territories to establish a working group to address issues related to the 2018 Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.
Solicitation for the Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security
The Coast Guard is seeking nominations for the Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security to highlight and recognize outstanding achievements and contributions of the maritime community with regards to implementation of Maritime Transportation Security Act, or MTSA, requirements and other maritime security best practices in safeguarding our nation’s marine transportation system.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Access Route Study: Notice of availability and request for comment
The goal of this study, which was conducted between March 26 – December 15, 2019, is to enhance navigational safety in the study area by examining existing shipping routes and waterway uses.
2019 Federal Radionavigation Plan published
The Federal Radionavigation Plan is the official source of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) policy and planning for the Federal Government.
Submission deadline for William M. Benkert Environmental Protection Award extended to March 2, 2020
The Benkert award recognizes corporations and businesses involved in marine facility or vessel operations that have demonstrated sustained excellence and outstanding achievement in protecting the marine environment. Full details available on Homeport.
Important information for vessels traveling from regions affected by recent Coronavirus outbreak
The Coast Guard Office of Emergency Management and Disaster Response Office issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin to provide information to vessel owners/operators regarding the recent coronavirus outbreak.
