Bryant's Maritime Consulting

02/01/2023

In the tradition of the Da Vinci Code and Ragtime, Shakespeare’s Bible – A Novel goes behind the documented history to tell the hidden stories of the individual’s stories behind the writing of some of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays and the creation of the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible.

A purposeful playwright, Shakespeare wrote each play to achieve a particular end. Likewise, King James I had an ulterior motive in revising the stogy Bishops’ Bible, wanting to utilize the language of the people.

This work of historical fiction explores whether it was a mere coincidence that many of Shakespeare’s plays and the KJV were written at the same time (early 1600s) and in the same location (London) or was there a hidden connection? How did King James, a bullying and blasphemous drunk, convert a boring and somewhat flawed English translation of the Holy Bible into a book that has been in continuous print since its original release in 1611? What connects Sir Walter Raleigh and the Gunpowder Plot? Why was King James enraged when Shakespeare wrote a play vaguely alluding to Lady Arbella Stuart and her imprisonment in the Tower of London? Why did Shakespeare suddenly retire at the height of his career?

The plays and the KJV were inspired, written, and guided by real people with real lives, passions, concerns, motives, friends, and enemies. Following extensive research, Shakespeare’s Bible – A Novel reveals little-known coincidences, connections, and intrigues among these individuals, some well-known but others mere footnotes in history, while bringing together the writing of the plays and the publication of the KJV during this often-overlooked period in English history. Both Shakespeare aficionados and readers new to the Bard of Avon will be drawn into the web of Shakespeare’s Bible.

Be there as the curtain is lifted on this misunderstood and misinterpreted era.

08/05/2020

Headlines:
USCG – mooring line incidents;
USCG – approaches to Cape Fear River;
Louisville – steamboat race on 2 September;
USCG – 31st BWMS type approval certificate issued;
NTSB – loss of control entering lock;
California – marine invasive species program;
IMO – lifting barriers to crew changes; and
Cyprus – crew changeover process adopted.

May 8, 2020

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA
Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: [email protected] – Internet: https://brymarconsulting.com/
Contact me to help you reach your target audience among over 6,000 subscribers

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Follow me on Facebook. Searching for the elusive Higgs bison.

USCG – mooring line incidents

The USCG Marine Safety Unit Portland issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) reminding stakeholders of the inherent dangers present when working around mooring lines. (5/4/20) [https://homeport.uscg.mil/Lists/Content/Attachments/63261/SCR%20MSIB%2001-20.pdf]. Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend Jon Waldum.

USCG – approaches to Cape Fear River

The Coast Guard proposes to establish an anchorage ground offshore in the approaches to the Cape Fear River, NC, and removing, relocating, or otherwise modifying the existing Lockwoods Folly Inlet explosives anchorage ground to accommodate current and future vessel traffic, improve navigation safety, and because traditional anchorage areas may be impacted by offshore renewable energy development. The consideration of changing or removing the explosives anchorage grounds is based on growth in both the size and draft of vessels that call on the Port of Wilmington and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point. Comments must be received by 7 July. 85 Fed. Reg. 27343 (5/8/20) [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-08/pdf/2020-09604.pdf].

Louisville – steamboat race on 2 September

The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary special local regulation for all navigable waters of the Ohio River from mile marker (MM) 597.0-605 on 2 September. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters near Louisville, KY, during a steamboat race. Comments must be received by 8 June. 85 Fed. Reg. 27341 (5/8/20) [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-08/pdf/2020-09161.pdf]. Note: Mark Twain would be proud.

USCG – 31st BWMS type approval certificate issued

The US Coast Guard issued a bulletin stating that a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) type approval certificate has been issued to Miura Co., Ltd for its Miura HK-(E)R system. (5/7/20) [https://mariners.coastguard.blog/2020/05/07/marine-safety-center-issues-ballast-water-management-system-type-approval-certificate-to-miura-co-ltd-3/].

NTSB – loss of control entering lock

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued the report of its investigation of the 18 December 2018 involving the towing vessel Mary Lucy Lane, with eight crewmembers on board. The vessel was pushing a tow of 12 barges and locking southbound at the Markland Locks & Dam (L&D) at mile 531.5 on the Ohio River, when the tow struck the lock’s wall, then its guard wall. Several barges broke loose and continued forward, one of which collided with the moored US Army Corps of Engineers workboat Gibson. No injuries or pollution resulted from the accident. Damage to the Mary Lucy Lane, the barges, and the dam was estimated at $321,943, and the Corps of Engineers estimated the cost to replace the Gibson at $1.8 million. The probable cause of the incident was a strong outdraft above the dam caused by the extreme high flow conditions, which overwhelmed the pilot’s ability to control the Mary Lucy Lane tow before locking. (5/7/20) [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAB2018.pdf].

California – marine invasive species program

The California State Lands Commission (SLC) issued a notice stating that it proposes to amend the regulation concerning marine invasive species to require that the annual report from arriving vessels be submitted electronically via the SLC website. Comments must be received by 23 June. (5/7/20) [https://www.slc.ca.gov/content-types/notice-of-intention-to-amend-article-4-8/].

IMO – lifting barriers to crew changes

The IMO issued a news release endorsing new protocols designed to lift barriers to crew changes. (5/7/20) [http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/15-crew-changes-.aspx].

Cyprus – crew changeover process adopted

Maritime Cyprus issued a press release announcing the adoption of a formal crew changeover process to manage COVID-19 related challenges. (5/6/20) [https://www.dms.gov.cy/dms/shipping.nsf/All/744922F1ECE80709C225856100518779?OpenDocument].

Thought for the day – 8 May 2020

The past few months have been testing us as individuals and as members of families, communities, nations, and the world. Be true to yourself and others so that we can all come out of this crisis knowing that we have done our best.

Join my mailing list

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If you have questions regarding the above items or are interested in advertising in this newsletter, please contact the editor:
Dennis L. Bryant
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting
4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135
USA

1-352-692-5493
[email protected]
https://brymarconsulting.com/
© Dennis L. Bryant – May 2020

Assisting the maritime community in regulatory and environmental compliance. US Coast Guard, MARAD, FMC, EPA, IMO and related entities.

07/05/2020

Headlines:
USCG – keel authenticated for first OPC;
Georgia – Golden Ray update;
DOS – cybersecurity threats;
Senate – bill introduced re oil and gas lease sales;
House – bill introduced re oil and gas lease sales;
CRS – USACE annual report on future studies and projects;
EMSA – electrical storage for ships; and
Canadian Court – physical supplier of bunkers prevails.

May 7, 2020

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA
Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: [email protected] – Internet: https://brymarconsulting.com/
Contact me to help you reach your target audience among over 6,000 subscribers

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Follow me on Facebook. Searching for the elusive Higgs bison.

USCG – keel authenticated for first OPC

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that the keel laying ceremony for the Coast Guard’s, first of class, Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) ARGUS (WMSM-915), was held on 28 April at Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida. The ceremony was performed and recorded without audience to comply with CDC guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19. Delivery of the 360-foot Argus is scheduled for 2022. (5/4/20) [https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Newsroom/Latest-Acquisition-News/Article/2175137/keel-authenticated-for-first-offshore-patrol-cutter/].

Georgia – Golden Ray update

The Unified Command issued a news release stating that the eighth lifting lug has been installed on the wreck of the capsized car carrier Golden Ray in Saint Simons Inlet. (5/6/20) [https://ssiresponse.com/photo-release-eighth-lifting-lug-installed/].

DOS – cybersecurity threats

The Department of State (DOS) issued an update on cybersecurity threats and prevention in the current COVID-19 environment. (4/8/20) [https://www.state.gov/update-on-cybersecurity-threats-and-prevention-in-the-current-covid-19-environment/].

Senate – bill introduced re oil and gas lease sales

Senator Merkley (D-OR) introduced a bill (S. 3611) to amend the Mineral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to reduce certain royalties, to amend the CARES Act to limit the provision of assistance to certain businesses, to impose a moratorium on certain oil and natural gas lease sales, the issuance of coal leases, and modifications to certain regulations, to extend certain public comment periods, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available, but Senator Merkley issued a press release explaining the measure. (5/5/20) [https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-barragn-introduce-legislation-to-put-families-above-fossil-fuel-corporations-2020].

House – bill introduced re oil and gas lease sales

Representative Barragan (D-CA) introduced a bill (H.R. 6707) to amend the Mineral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to reduce certain royalties, to amend the CARES Act to limit the provision of assistance to certain businesses, to impose a moratorium on certain oil and natural gas lease sales, the issuance of coal leases, and modifications to certain regulations, to extend certain public comment periods, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available, but Representative Barragan issued a press release explaining the measure. (5/5/20) [https://barragan.house.gov/rewind-act-prohibits-bailout-of-fossil-fuel-industry-with-cares-act-funds-during-public-health-crisis/].

CRS – USACE annual report on future studies & projects

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a report on the US Army Corps of Engineers Annual Report on Future Studies and Projects. (5/6/20) [https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11118].

EMSA – electrical energy storage for ships

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) posted a report providing a technical study on the use of Electrical Energy Storage in shipping that, being supported by a technology overview and risk-based analysis evaluates the potential and constraints of batteries for energy storage in maritime transport applications. In addition, the study provides a detailed description of projects where pilot applications of marine battery systems have been deployed, both for Electric and Hybrid-Electric applications, with a focus on EU co-funded projects such as the E-Ferry. A safety assessment of a generic baseline lithium-ion battery installation is developed, and the results presented with a focus on thermal runaway prevention for different design variations, including a Fuel Cell-Hybrid design. (5/6/20) [http://www.emsa.europa.eu/emsa-homepage/2-news-a-press-centre/news/3906-electrical-energy-storage-for-ships.html].

Canadian Court – physical supplier of bunkers prevails

The Federal Court of Appeal of Canada ruled that the physical supplier of bunkers is entitled to payment for bunkers delivered. The vessel owner contracted with OW Bunkers for the bunkers. OW Bunkers contracted with the physical supplier for actual delivery. After delivery, but before payment to OW Bunkers, OW went bankrupt. The vessel owner deposited the contracted sum with the court. Both the physical supplier and OW’s secured creditor filed claims and litigation ensued. The court held that the vessel owner’s signed acceptance of the physical supplier’s contract upon delivery of the bunkers established privity of contract. ING Bank NV v Canpotex Shipping Services, Docket A-351-18 (2020-FCA-18) (5 May 2020) [https://decisions.fca-caf.gc.ca/fca-caf/decisions/en/470408/1/document.do].

Thought for the day – 7 May 2020

Drivers slow down when passing through school zones, not to protect themselves and their vehicles, but to protect children. It is the same with face masks. They are worn not to protect you, but to protect others in the event that you have the COVUID-19 virus but are asymptomatic and thus unaware of your ability to infect others. Act in accord with your civic responsibility.

Join my mailing list

If you are not receiving my almost daily electronic newsletter and would like it sent directly to your email inbox, please send me an email.

If you have questions regarding the above items or are interested in advertising in this newsletter, please contact the editor:
Dennis L. Bryant
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting
4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135
USA

1-352-692-5493
[email protected]
https://brymarconsulting.com/
© Dennis L. Bryant – May 2020

Assisting the maritime community in regulatory and environmental compliance. US Coast Guard, MARAD, FMC, EPA, IMO and related entities.

05/05/2020

Headlines:
USCG – Application for Inspection of a US Vessel;
USCG – PARS for New Jersey coast;
USCG – rescue swimmer honored;
DOT - $500 million loan for Port of Long Beach;
Cook Inlet – geohazard survey permit issued;
Court – lack of standing;
Australia – DGPS shutdown on 1 July;
Hong Kong – typhoon season; and
Singapore – revalidation of certificates of competency.

May 5, 2020

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA
Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: [email protected] – Internet: https://brymarconsulting.com/
Contact me to help you reach your target audience among over 6,000 subscribers

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Follow me on Facebook. Searching for the elusive Higgs bison.

USCG – Application for Inspection of a US Vessel

The US Coast Guard issued a bulletin stating that the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has posted an updated CG-3752 Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel which combines CG form CG-3752 – Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel and CG-3752A – Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel (New Construction) into a new single two-page form. The second page of the form is only needed to be completed in addition to the first page if a U.S. vessel is New Construction or Entering Certificated Service. The updated Application for Inspection reduces redundancy, increases efficiency, and streamlines form completion with necessary values to align with the Coast Guard’s database. It includes embedded hyperlinks, dropdowns, electronic signatures, and manual entry options if needed. The form can be found on the Office of Information Management’s (CG-61) forms website by searching CG-3752. (5/4/20) [https://mariners.coastguard.blog/2020/05/04/new-form-cg-3752-application-for-inspection-of-u-s-vessel/]

USCG – PARS for New Jersey coast

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it is conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS) to determine whether existing or additional vessel routing measures are necessary along the seacoast of New Jersey and approaches to the Delaware Bay. The PARS will consider whether existing or additional routing measures are necessary to improve navigation safety due to factors such as planned or potential offshore development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, changing vessel traffic patterns, weather conditions, or navigational difficulty. Vessel routing measures are implemented to reduce the risk of marine casualties. Examples of potential measures include traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, deep-water routes, precautionary areas, and areas to be avoided. The recommendations of the study may lead to future rulemakings or international agreements. Comments must be received by 6 July. 85 Fed. Reg. 26695 (5/5/20) [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-05/pdf/2020-09538.pdf].

USCG – rescue swimmer honored

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that a USCG rescue swimmer at Air Station North Bend has been awarded a medal for saving the life of a fellow aircrew member suffering cardiac arrest. (5/5/20) [https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/289e562].

DOT – $500 million loan to Port of Long Beach

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a press release stating that the Department’s Build America Bureau will provide a loan of $500 million under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to the City of Long Beach, California, acting through its Board of Harbor Commissioners (the Port of Long Beach). (5/4/20) [https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-elaine-l-chao-announces-500-million-loan-port-long-beach].

Cook Inlet – geohazard survey permit issued

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a press release stating that it issued a permit to Hilcorp Alaska LLC to conduct a geohazards survey in the federal waters of Cook Inlet, off the coast of Southcentral Alaska. The area to be surveyed is in lower Cook Inlet, west to southwest of Kachemak Bay. (5/1/20) [https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/press-releases/boem-approves-cook-inlet-geohazards-survey].

Court – lack of standing

The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit dismissed an action by a putative class of shippers (collectively, "Dantzler") who use the services of ocean freight carriers to import goods into Puerto Rico through the maritime port of San Juan. Their claims stem from a cargo scanning program implemented by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority ("PRPA") in an effort to improve the safety of the port. Pursuant to that program, PRPA contracted with Rapiscan Systems, Inc. ("Rapiscan") -- which later assigned its rights and obligations to its wholly-owned subsidiary S2 Services Puerto Rico LLC ("S2") -- to provide the technology and services needed to scan all containerized inbound cargo. To offset the costs of the program, PRPA charged the ocean freight carriers a fee for their use of the scanning facilities in the Port of San Juan. Dantzler alleges that, in response to that fee, ocean freight carriers were "forced" to be "collection agents" that collected fees from the shipper entities. Consequently, Dantzler brought a Section 1983 lawsuit against PRPA, Rapiscan, and S2 together, seeking money damages and requesting that the court declare and enjoin the collection of the additional fee as violative of the United States Constitution and Puerto Rico law. The defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint, which the district court granted in part and denied in part. They now appeal the partial denial of those motions. In the end, their appeals reduce to a question of standing over the denial of immunity. The appellate court found that Dantzler has failed to establish its constitutional standing to sue PRPA, Rapiscan, and S2, and thus the appellate court vacated the district court's order and remanded for dismissal on jurisdictional grounds. Dantzler, Inc v S2 Services Puerto Rico, No. 18-2087 (1st Cir., May 1, 2020) [http://media.ca1.uscourts.gov/pdf.opinions/18-2087P-01A.pdf]. Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend Keith Heard of Lennon, Murphy & Philips LLC.

Australia – DGPS shutdown on 1 July

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a Notice announcing that its Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) will shut down effective 1 July. (5/5/20) [https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/regulations-and-standards/032020-shutdown-amsas-differential-global-positioning-system-dgps].

Hong Kong – typhoon season

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a Notice reminding stakeholders of the approach of typhoon season. (4/29/20) [https://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/notices/pdf/mdn20063.pdf].

Singapore – revalidation of certificates of competency

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a Shipping Circular concerning revalidation of Certificates of Competency and Tanker Endorsements. (5/4/20) [https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/circulars-and-notices/detail/cc8fb5b6-1b1d-48f6-8110-621ce3e7045d].

Thought for the day – 5 May 2020

Since I recently started posting these particular thoughts, I have received many comments. Regardless, I will keep posting them! Listen to your mother and wash your hands.

Join my mailing list

If you are not receiving my almost daily electronic newsletter and would like it sent directly to your email inbox, please send me an email.

If you have questions regarding the above items or are interested in advertising in this newsletter, please contact the editor:
Dennis L. Bryant
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting
4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135
USA

1-352-692-5493
[email protected]
https://brymarconsulting.com/
© Dennis L. Bryant – May 2020

Assisting the maritime community in regulatory and environmental compliance. US Coast Guard, MARAD, FMC, EPA, IMO and related entities.

04/05/2020

Headlines:
FMC – Congress asked to support terminals;
USN – USNS Comfort completes mission in New York;
Norwegian Sea – USN and Royal Navy train together;
DOJ – bribery conspiracy guilty plea;
St. Lawrence Seaway – operational bow thruster requirement;
Australia – National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies; and
New Zealand – recreational boaters asked to reconsider.

May 4, 2020

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA
Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: [email protected] – Internet: https://brymarconsulting.com/
Contact me to help you reach your target audience among over 6,000 subscribers

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Follow me on Facebook. Searching for the elusive Higgs bison.

FMC – Congress asked to support terminals

Federal Maritime Commissioners Carl Bentzel and Louis Sola sent a letter to Congress urging that they address port terminal needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (5/1/20) [https://www.fmc.gov/commissioners-bentzel-and-sola-urge-congressional-leaders-to-address-port-terminal-needs-during-covid-19-crisis/].

USN – USNS Comfort completes mission in New York

The US Navy issued a news release stating that the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will return to Naval Station Norfolk May 2 after supporting the Department of Defense response efforts to New York and New Jersey during the coronavirus outbreak. Upon arrival at Naval Station Norfolk, Comfort will return to a “Ready 5” status to remain ready for future tasking for COVID-19 operations in support of FEMA. Comfort spent 31 days at Pier 90 in New York City, providing relief to a healthcare system stressed by the surge of COVID-19 patients. (5/1/20) [https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112826].

Norwegian Sea – USN and Royal Navy train together

The US Navy issued a news release stating that the US 6th Fleet (C6F) conducted a bilateral naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise with the UK in the Norwegian Sea above the Arctic Circle. Four ships from the two nations, a US submarine, and a US P8-A worked together to conduct training in the challenging conditions in the Arctic. For the exercise, Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Porter (DDG 78), and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), were joined by the Royal Navy's HMS Kent (F 78). (5/1/20) [https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112823].

DOJ – bribery conspiracy guilty plea

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the owner and Chief Executive Officer of a Republic of Korea–based company, DK Marine, that provided ship husbanding services to the US Navy pleaded guilty today for his role in a bribery conspiracy. Pursuant to his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that between October 2013 and January 2014, Kim conspired with James Russell Driver III, a civilian US Navy cargo ship captain, and another civilian US Navy employee to have Kim and his company provide husbanding services for Driver’s ship during a December 2013 port visit in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, in violation of appropriate US Navy husbanding procedures. Driver also provided Kim with confidential and other proprietary, internal US Navy information. In exchange, Kim paid bribes to Driver, including personal travel expenses for Driver and his family. Driver pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy in March 2019. (5/1/20) [https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/owner-us-navy-husbanding-services-provider-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-commit-bribery].

St. Lawrence Seaway – operational bow thruster requirement

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System issued a Seaway Notice reinstating the requirement for an operational bow thruster on vessels operating near Seaway structures. (5/1/20) [https://greatlakes-seaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/notice20200501_en.pdf].

Australia – National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) published the 2020 National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan), sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for the management of maritime environmental emergencies. It provides for a comprehensive response to maritime environmental emergencies regardless of how costs might be attributed or ultimately recovered. (5/1/20) [https://www.amsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/national-plan-maritime-envrironmental-emergencies-2020.pdf].

New Zealand – recreational boaters asked to reconsider

Maritime New Zealand issued a media release asking people thinking about recreational activities on the water to consider if it is necessary for them to go out while the nation continues its heightened response to COVID-19. While saving lives remains the number one priority, rescuers could be put at risk by COVID-19 as they may have to ‘burst their bubble’ to provide assistance. (5/1/20) [https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/public/news/media-releases-2020/20200501a.asp].

Thought for the day – 4 May 2020

I miss my four grandkids. I miss my oldest, who is supposed to be away at college, but now is home with distance learning. Actually, it is a way for me to become a reluctant substitute assistant professor in subjects for which I am not trained. The other three are also learning (or trying to learn) at home, but rely heavily on their parents. I miss backups at traffic lights. I miss being able to go either direction down (or up) the aisles of grocery stores. If I had wanted to wear a mask when I went out, I would have become a professional bank robber.

Join my mailing list

If you are not receiving my almost daily electronic newsletter and would like it sent directly to your email inbox, please send me an email.

If you have questions regarding the above items or are interested in advertising in this newsletter, please contact the editor:
Dennis L. Bryant
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting
4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135
USA

1-352-692-5493
[email protected]
https://brymarconsulting.com/
© Dennis L. Bryant – May 2020

Assisting the maritime community in regulatory and environmental compliance. US Coast Guard, MARAD, FMC, EPA, IMO and related entities.