The semi-annual workshop was hosted at the offices of the American Chemistry Council. Attendees came from as far away as Seattle and New Orleans and represented 11 industry organizations that oversee thousands of MTSA-regulated vessels and over two hundred MTSA-regulated facilities that share common business models. Industries represented include passenger, ferry and gaming vessels, offshore service and towing vessels, chemical and barge fleeting facilities, and grain terminals.
Editor’s note: This post was updated April 10, 2018 to reflect that Inmarsat will begin the migration 1400 UTC May 9, 2018 instead of April 16, 2018, as originally announced. For the latest information, visit the Inmarsat website provided in our blog post. Inmarsat announced that it will migrate Inmarsat-C, Mini C, and Fleet77 used for Global Maritime Distress & Safety System, Long Range Identification and Tracking and Ship Security Alerting Systems from their I-3 to their I-4 Network.
The Coast Guard will consider applications for five positions that will be vacant Sept. 30, 2018: Two positions representing the barge and towing industry, reflecting a regional geographical balance; one position representing the offshore mineral and oil supply vessel industry; one position representing shippers; and one position drawn from the general public to serve as a Special Government Employee. To be eligible, applicants should have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience regarding shallow-draft inland, coastal waterway, and offshore, navigation and towing safety.
Ray’s remarks focused on securing the alignment of safe and efficient commerce. He pointed out that 90 percent of the world trade is carried by shipping and the U.S. alone accounts for 26 percent of the world’s consumer market. The United States is the fifth largest ship-owning country by tonnage and accounts for 986,816 metric tons of goods and services, which equates to 1.47 trillion U.S. dollars.
Rear Adm. Nadeau’s remarks focused on Port State Control for the past year and ballast water management compliance and extensions. Nadeau said his goal is to ensure a safe, secure, and efficient Marine Transportation System by focusing on oversight of recognized organizations, SMS effectiveness, cyber risk management, and future implications of autonomous vessels.
