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.
Congressional hearing alert: Commercial and Passenger Vessel Safety: Challenges, Opportunities
Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Rear Adm. Richard Timme will testify before a Congressional Hearing focused on passenger vessel safety, Thursday, November 14th at 2 p.m.
Recall of Marlin personal flotation devices
Labels on models of adult and child PFDs list incorrect minimum buoyant force.
Oct. 1, 1838: First law in the U.S. to regulate steamboats takes effect
In this post, we mark the anniversary of the Coast Guard’s marine inspection program, which was the result of the Congressional Act of 1838.
“All Aboard! There’s a Place for You in the Maritime Community” student art program contest winners
The contest winners’ works of art will be featured on the Coast Guard, NAMEPA and CIP-OAS websites. The two grand prize winners will receive a certificate, a bilingual (English and Spanish) calendar featuring the art of all 12 winners, a $100 cash prize and a special Coast Guard-themed package. Finalists will receive a certificate and the bilingual calendar.
Marine Safety Alert: Prevent Passenger High-Risk Behaviors
A passenger who intentionally jumps into the water from a commercial passenger vessel or who falls from the vessel as a result of high-risk behavior may be considered to be interfering with the safe operation of a vessel as defined by 46 U.S. Code 2302. Offenders are subject to a fine up to $34,000.
MSIB: Passenger vessel compliance and operational readiness
On September 2, 2019, the small passenger vessel Conception caught fire and sank off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, California with loss of life. This bulletin identifies regulations related to firefighting, lifesaving, preparations for emergencies, and means of escape that serve as a reminder for owner and operators to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew while onboard.
Cancellation of OCS policy on life extension requirements for floating OCS facilities
The Coast Guard has been continuing to strengthen its joint regulatory oversight and compliance schemes with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to ensure a consistent approach to the OCS oil and gas industry. In this post, Eighth District OCS OCMI Capt. Russell Holmes provides an update on the latest projects, including the cancellation of a policy letter on floating facility life extension requests.
Consumer Price Index adjustments of Oil Pollution Act of 1990 limits of liability
The final rule adjusts the limits of liability for vessels, deepwater ports, and onshore facilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, to reflect the increase in the Consumer Price Index since 2015. These regulatory inflation increases to the limits of liability are required by OPA 90 and are necessary to preserve the deterrent effect and “polluter pays” principle embodied in the Act.
