US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the captain of the dredge ‘Susan Crosby’ that during a fuel transfer the vessel’s tank overflowed and released an estimated 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, at the Houston Ship Channel, near Buffalo Bayou, Wednesday.
Under the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960, USCG has proposed new base pilotage rates and surcharges for the 2019 shipping season. This rule would adjust the pilotage rates to account for anticipated traffic, an increase in the number of pilots, anticipated inflation, and surcharges for applicant pilots.
The US Coast Guard National Maritime Center issued a notice to announce that, in accordance with Federal Regulations, duplicate Merchant Mariner Credentials may be issued free of charge to mariners whose credentials were lost or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Michael or subsequent flooding.
The US Coast Guard will impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving from certain ports in Iraq. Conditions of entry aim to protect the US from vessels arriving from countries that have been found to have deficient anti-terrorism port measures in place. The conditions of entry will apply from October 26, 2018.
USCG has conducted three operations in the Eastern Pacific, Puerto Rico and Caribbean, where it seized 1,300 pounds of cocaine, 2,324 pounds of cocaine and 3,516 pounds of cocaine along with 50 pounds of marijuana respectively. Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Basin, which are known drug transit zones.
An estimated 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the marine environment, after the 145-foot offshore supply vessel ‘Candy Store’ ran aground north of Monkey Island, near Cameron, Louisiana, late Sunday night. USCG personnel conducted an on-scene investigation after the incident.
The US Coast Guard has invested heavily in cyber risk management efforts. These efforts focus on the US Coast Guard Cyber Strategy’s three strategic priorities of: defending cyberspace, enabling operations, and protecting infrastructure. To achieve these goals, USCG has established or is considering cyber-focused initiatives.
USCG 8th District announced the Maritime Commerce Strategic Outlook, outlining a long term vision to support and grow maritime commerce in the US. The 8th District was chosen for being at the center of USCG operations in the Western Rivers, which are critical maritime arteries.
The Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship Alta became disabled on 19 September, while en route from Greece to Haiti, and the crew was unable to make repairs. The crew reported that they had enough food for two days and water for 15 days, and that there were no injuries or immediate medical concerns.
The US Coast Guard released a new Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (02-95, Change 3) on “The Alternate Compliance Program.” This change incorporates various policies and related provisions consistent with the Commandant’s Final Action Memo (FAM) on the sinking of the S.S. El Faro.
