USCG released guidance for stakeholders when they are developing, implementing, and verifying SMSs, to ensure the ISM Code is effectively implemented on applicable vessels. This work instruction also includes specific provisions to assist in assessing risks and developing contingency plans for emergency shipboard situations.
The US Coast Guard transferred custody of 491.5 kilograms of cocaine and 9.2 kilograms of suspected heroin, worth an estimated value of $13.3 million, at USCG Sector San Juan, Tuesday, following a recent interagency interdiction by Caribbean Border Interagency Group partner agencies in the Caribbean Sea, off Puerto Rico.
The US Coast Guard is coordinating fuel removal and salvage operations for a fishing vessel that caught fire near Eureka. The case started Wednesday morning, when a crewmember from the distressed fishing vessel ‘Midori’ contacted another fishing vessel ‘Charlie D’, via cell phone, to report a fire aboard.
The US Coast Guard interdicted two suspected smugglers and seized 1,446 pounds of marijuana west of Oceanside, on Sunday 15 of April. The USCG discovered multiple packages which later were found positive for marijuana. The two crewmembers of the vessel were placed into custody. Both suspects were then transferred to Homeland Security Investigations Marine Task Force.
The US Coast Guard uses many methods to evaluate a tank or non-tank vessel owner/operator’s compliance with vessel response plan regulations. In April 2017, the US Coast Guard Office of Marine Environmental Response Policy began a new verification performed along with the review of a VRP for approval.
A gas pipeline fire was reported near Port O’Connor, Texas, on Tuesday evening, according to data provided by the US Coast Guard. Watchstanders received a mayday call from the vessel ‘Jonathon King Boyd’, who reported the vessel was on fire after hitting a gas pipeline while conducting dredging operations.
The Unified Command has announced that the American Transmission Company will use sonar scanning technology and a remotely operated underwater vehicle to assess damage to the affected utility cables in the Straits of Mackinac. ATC contracted with Durocher Marine and T&T Subsea to provide tugs, a barge, and an ROV to assess the damage to the utility cables.
In its PSC Annual Report for 2017, USCG revealed an annual detention rate of 0.99%, the lowest ever in the US, unveiling however an increase in detentions related to fire fighting and MARPOL Annex I deficiencies. The report also informed that deficiencies related to BWM compliance significantly increased in this period.
On April 9, 2018, the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center received its 13th application for Ballast Water Management System type approval for the Aquarius EC system, manufactured by Wärtsilä Water Systems Ltd. Until today, USCG has received 12 applications for BWMS Type Approval, while 6 manufacturers have received the final Certificate.
The USCG released the US Port State Control Annual Report for 2017, revealing an annual detention rate of 0.99%, the lowest ever in the US. However, the report showed a rise in detentions related to fire fighting, for the fourth straight year. Similarly, MARPOL Annex I deficiencies, which had been on the decline over the past several years, rose slightly in 2017.
