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.
Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee teleconference
The CFSAC is scheduled to meet by teleconference Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
Notice of Availability: Change to NVIC regarding use of electronic charts and publications in lieu of paper charts, maps and publications
This NVIC provides that U.S. vessels may access navigation publications electronically, through underway connectivity, to meet domestic carriage and Safety of Life at Sea certification requirements.
Crediting recent sea service of personnel serving on vessels of the Uniformed Services
The Coast Guard proposes to increase from 3 years to 7 years the period within which qualifying sea service aboard vessels of the uniformed services can be used to satisfy the requirement for recent sea service to qualify for a Merchant Mariner Credential with a national officer endorsement.
Proposed termination of Coast Guard medium frequency broadcast of Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) and shift to satellite
The Coast Guard is requesting public comments until Nov. 12, 2019, on its proposal to cease broadcasting Navigational Telex over Medium Frequency.
Extension of comment period for the Port Access Route Study: Alaskan Arctic Coast
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 to Jan. 30, 2020.
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement: Cell phone geolocation for Coast Guard search and rescue
This Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Callyo 2009 Corporation, will investigate the potential operational use of leveraging smart phone technology, specifically the phone’s location services, to help locate mariners in distress more efficiently.
