The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is requesting applications to fill 21 positions on the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee. This recently established committee will advise the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on matters relating to national boating safety. Applications are due by April 6, 2020.
Marine Safety Alert: Alarming trends found on fixed gas detection systems
The Inspections and Compliance Directorate issued Marine Safety Alert 02-20 to educate the maritime community about common discrepancies associated with fixed gas detection systems on board liquefied gas carriers.
This just in: Results from 2019 Operation Dry Water
The Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety is sharing the latest results from 2019’s Operation Dry Water, a nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign to deter boating under the influence.
Marine Safety Information Bulletin: Novel Coronavirus update
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.
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.
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.
Policy Letter: Accepted Distress Signal Devices for Ocean Going Vessels
The Office of Design and Engineering Standards has published guidance highlighting suitable distress signal devices for vessels that transit outside the territorial limits and may require long-range rescue response provided through the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Latest ‘Drill Down’ – Class 1 watertight doors
Class 1 watertight doors are a critical part of a vessel’s watertight subdivision, and, consequently, a crucial part of damage stability considerations. This issue of Drill Down explores the mechanics, materials, and inspection considerations of the gasket material of Class 1 WTDs.
