The Department of State will conduct an open public meeting Jan. 23, 2020, led by the Coast Guard, to prepare for the seventh session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response to be held at the IMO Headquarters, United Kingdom in February.
Extension of comment period for Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study
The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is extending the comment period for the notice of study and request for comments for the Port Access Route Study: Alaskan Arctic Coast until June 30, 2020.
Request for membership applications: National Towing Safety Advisory Committee
The Coast Guard is accepting applications until March 16, 2020, for membership on the recently established National Towing Safety Advisory Committee.
Notice of intent to prepare Environmental Impact Statement – request for public comments
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the regulations implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), and the National Historic Preservation Act, the Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of replacing the existing BNSF bridge across the Missouri River at Bismarck, ND, or constructing a bridge adjacent to the existing bridge.
Random Drug Testing Rate for Covered Crewmembers for 2020
The Coast Guard has set the calendar year 2020 minimum random drug testing rate at 50 percent of covered crewmembers. The minimum random drug testing rate is effective January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
Notice of public meeting: IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction
The Coast Guard will lead a Dept. of State public meeting Jan. 21, 2020, in preparation for the 7th session of the IMO Subcommittee on Ship Design and Construction meeting in February.
Notice of Public Meeting: Consistent Implementation of Regulation 14.1.3 of MARPOL Annex VI (Global 0.50% Sulfur Limit)
The Coast Guard will hold a public meeting in Washington, D.C., Dec. 5, 2019, to review and discuss the MARPOL Annex VI provisions for implementing the Global 0.50% Sulfur Limit and the associated guidance developed through the International Maritime Organization, as well as discuss related issues and Coast Guard enforcement plans.
Lifejacket Approval Harmonization Notice of Availability
The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is finalizing the policy harmonizing personal flotation device standards between the United States and Canada by accepting a new standard for approval of PFDs. As a result, PFD manufacturers can meet a single North American standard instead of separate standards for the United States and Canada.
Great Lakes Pilotage Rates-2020 Annual Review and Revisions to Methodology
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would adjust the pilotage rates to account for changes in district operating expenses, an increase in the number of pilots, and anticipated inflation.
