The US Coast Guard shared information for mariners of the proper procedure for performing a VHF radio check. From 2 October 2020, the Sea Tow operated an Automated Radio Check System, which was available on VHF Channels 24 to 28 in over 130 locations, is no longer available.
China-based BWMS manufacturer Elite Marine has received a USCG Type Approval for their Seascape BWMS. The system shall be installed and operated in accordance with the Elite Marine Seascape Operation, Maintenance and Safety manual (OMSM) 21-3-2, Rev. 10, dated 7 October 2020.
Jeffrey S. King, Luke M. Reid and James A. Sartucci from K&L Gates discuss potential changes concerning U.S. flag commercial passenger vessels. Current regulations do not specifically require vessel owners and operators to develop and implement a formal, written SMS. What the new regulations will look like, and what this means for the domestic passenger vessel industry, is presently unclear, they note, highlighting key concerns that need to be addressed.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) announced that on October 1st 2020, new amendments entered into force which permit vessels to electronically record discharges, transfers, and other reportable operations required under Annexes I, II, V and VI in Electronic Record Books (ERB).
The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center, in cooperation with local Coast Guard units, will be carrying out test and evaluation of unmanned surface vehicles off the south shore of Oahu from October 7 through November 5.
USCG brings to light several cyber events involving increasingly sophisticated malicious email spoofing techniques, after spoofing attacks occurred that impersonated the Coast Guard’s email.
The US Coast Guard continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 impact to the maritime industry and mariners in order to take action needed to ensure the continuity of the Maritime Transportation System (MTS).
The US Coast Guard reported that a containership that called the port of New York and New Jersey and docked at a terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey is reportedly leaking oil into the harbor.
The US Coast Guard is set to acquire a new autonomous vessel for testing and evaluating the capabilities of available autonomous vessel technology, as part of its regulatory changes for the development of autonomous maritime systems.
The US Coast Guard published its Maritime Health & Wellness journal, highlighting importance of health and wellness for mariners because they are essential to the safety, security, and efficiency of the marine transportation system.
