The Transportation Institute monitors a wide range of federal agency actions that directly impact the U.S.-flag maritime industry. The following offers a brief summary of those actions. To read the actual text of any administrative action, single click on the underlined Federal Register page number and issuance date reference that follows each summary (response time may vary considerably due to internet traffic and file volume).

United States Coast Guard

Proposed Rulemakings

June 2, 2009 The Coast Guard is withdrawing its proposed rule concerning the establishment of three temporary restricted anchorages with associated safety/security zones within the Captain of the Port Zone Jacksonville. The proposed rule is being withdrawn because the geographic locations of the proposed anchorage areas are beyond three nautical miles from the baseline of the territorial sea. The proposed rule published at 73 FR 12925, March 11, 2008, is withdrawn, as of June 2, 2009. 74 FR 26328, (June 2, 2009), (USCG-2008-0006).

June 29, 2009 The Coast Guard proposes to revise the requirements for waterfront facilities handling liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied hazardous gas (LHG). The proposed revisions would bring the regulations up to date with existing industry practices and current Coast Guard policy implemented due to increased emphasis on security since the events of September 11, 2001. These revisions would harmonize the Coast Guard’s regulations for LNG with those established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the agency responsible for permitting onshore and near-shore LNG terminals. This proposed rulemaking would not affect LNG deepwater ports. Comments accepted. 74 FR 19158, (April 28, 2009), (USCG-2007-27022).

July 27, 2009 The Coast Guard proposes the establishment of a new anchorage, modification of existing anchorages, and revision of the regulations governing anchorages in the Captain of the Port Portland, Oregon, area of responsibility. These changes are necessary to ensure sufficient anchorage opportunities in that area, and to clarify the locations of those anchorage opportunities. In addition, the changes will help prevent conflicts with navigable channels and other uses of anchorage waters. Comments accepted. 74 FR 24718, (May 26, 2009), (USCG-2008-1232).

July 27, 2009 The Coast Guard proposes establishing a regulated navigation area and safety zone on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Romeoville, IL. This proposed regulated navigation area and safety zone places navigational and operational restrictions on all vessels transiting the navigable waters located adjacent to and over the Army Corps of Engineers electrical dispersal fish barrier system. Comments accepted. 74 FR 24722, (May 26, 2009), (USCG-2008-1247).

August 4, 2009 The Coast Guard proposes to disestablish the Ashley River Anchorage 2 in Charleston, South Carolina. The removal of the anchorage would accommodate an expansion to the Ripley Light Yacht Club. Comments accepted. 74 FR 27000, (June 5, 2009), (USCG-2008-0852).

Final Rulemakings

August 6, 2009 By this direct final rule, the Coast Guard amends its vessel inspection regulations to add the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate to the list of certificates a recognized classification society may be authorized to issue on behalf of the United States. This action is being taken because the United States recently deposited an instrument of ratification with the International Maritime Organization for Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78). As a result, Annex VI entered into force for the United States on January 8, 2009. This rulemaking will offer a more efficient means for U.S. ships to obtain an IAPP certificate. This rule is effective August 6, 2009, unless an adverse comment, or notice of intent to submit an adverse comment, is submitted before June 22, 2009. 74 FR 21554, (May 8, 2009), (USCG-2008-1014).

Agency Notices

June 5, 2009 The Coast Guard announces provisions to allow for appropriate uses and disclosures of protected health information concerning members of the Armed Forces to assure the proper execution of the military mission. This notice updates information the Coast Guard provided on April 28, 2003 (68 FR 22407). A similar notice was published by the Department of Defense for members of the Armed Forces within their jurisdiction (68 FR 17357, April 9, 2003).

July 15, 2009 The Coast Guard is seeking applicants for membership on the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). This Committee advises the Coast Guard on matters related to the training, qualification, licensing, certification, and fitness of seamen serving in the U.S. merchant marine. Applications accepted. 74 FR 21701, (May 8, 2009), (USCG-2009-0325).

July 28, 2009 The Coast Guard announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and two public meetings on the proposed replacement of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Goethals Bridge across the Arthur Kill between Staten Island, NY and Elizabeth, NJ. Comments accepted. 74 FR 25572, (May 28, 2009), (USCG-2009-0097).

August 3, 2009 In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard is submitting four Information Collection Requests (ICRs) and Analyses to the Office of Management and Budget requesting an extension of its approval for the ICRs entitled: (1) Welding and Hot Work Permits; Posting of Warning Signs; (2) Barge Fleeting Facility Records; (3) Vessel Documentation; and (4) Nondestructive Testing of Certain Cargo Tanks on Unmanned Barges. Comments accepted. 74 FR 26872, (June 4, 2009), (USCG-2008-0412).

August 3, 2009 In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard is submitting three Information Collection Requests (ICRs) and Analyses to the Office of Management and Budget requesting an extension of its approval for the ICRs entitled: (1) Request for Designation and Exemption of Oceanographic Research Vessels; (2) Plan Approval and Records for Tank, Passenger, Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, Nautical School Vessels and Oceanographic Research Vessels—46 CFR Subchapters D, H, I, I-A, R and U; and (3) Ballast Water Management for Vessels with Ballast Tanks Entering U.S. Waters. Comments accepted. 74 FR 26875, (June 4, 2009), (USCG-2008-0362).

August 3, 2009 The Secretary of Homeland Security is establishing the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (MMMAC) under authority of 6 U.S.C. 451 and shall operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.). Individuals interested in serving on this committee are invited to apply for membership. Applications accepted. 74 FR 27557, (June 10, 2009), (USCG-2009-0446).

Meetings

July 8, 2009 This notice announces a teleconference meeting of the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) to discuss items listed in the agenda as well as other items that NOSAC may consider. This meeting will be open to the public. The teleconference call will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. 74 FR 28715, (June 17, 2009), (USCG-2009-0485).

July 8, 2009 In conjunction with the Coast Guard’s announcement of the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) a public meeting will be held on the proposed replacement of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Goethals Bridge across the Arthur Kill between Staten Island, NY and Elizabeth, NJ. The meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Elizabeth City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ. 74 FR 25572, (May 28, 2009), (USCG-2009-0097).

July 9, 2009 In conjunction with the Coast Guard’s announcement of the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) a public meeting will be held on the proposed replacement of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Goethals Bridge across the Arthur Kill between Staten Island, NY and Elizabeth, NJ. The meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Harbor Room, Staten Island Hotel, 1415 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY. 74 FR 25572, (May 28, 2009), (USCG-2009-0097).

Maritime Administration

Proposed Rulemakings

NONE

Final Rulemakings

NONE

Agency Notices

July 15, 2009 The Maritime Administration plans to dispose of the obsolete vessel SS Pioneer Commander, which is currently located at its Beaumont Reserve Fleet in Beaumont, Texas. The Maritime Administration, in consultation with the Texas Historical Commission, determined that the vessel is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places due to its role in a pivotal moment in U.S. history; the evacuation of more than 44,000 Americans, Vietnamese military and refugees from South Vietnam in 1975. This operation signaled the close of America’s long involvement in Vietnam. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, Section 3512 of Public Law 108-136, authorizes the Maritime Administration to afford qualified public and non-profit organizations the opportunity to obtain, via donation, obsolete ships from the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) for use as memorials and/or in other non-commercial enterprises. The Maritime Administration will accept completed donation applications for the SS Pioneer Commander from qualified organizations in accordance with the Ship Donation Program Requirements for a period of 45 days beginning June 1, 2009. 74 FR 26272, (June 1, 2009), (MARAD-2009-0048).

July 31, 2009 In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Maritime Administration’s intention to request extension of approval for three years of a currently approved information collection entitled “Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER). Comments accepted. 74 FR 26268, (June 1, 2009), (MARAD-2009-0049).

Meetings

NONE

Other Agency Matters

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

June 29, 2009 As previously noticed on November 20, 2008, and supplemented herein, the staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will prepare an environmental impact statement that will discuss environmental impacts that could result from construction and operation of the Calais Liquefied Natural Gas Project planned by the Calais LNG Project Company, LLC. The EIS will be used by the Commission in its decision making process to determine whether the project is in the public convenience and necessity. Comments accepted. 74 FR 26677, (June 3, 2009), (PF08-24-000).

July 6, 2009 The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address Downeast LNG, Inc.’s and Downeast Pipeline, LLC.’s proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, natural gas pipeline, and associated facilities in the listed docket. The Downeast LNG Project would be located in Washington County, Maine. Comments accepted. 74 FR 24846, (May 26, 2009), (CP07-52-000; CP07-53-000, CP07-53-001).

Interior Department

June 25, 2009 Agency Notice (Meeting) – The Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary is announcing a public meeting of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be held at Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council Office, 441 West 5 th Avenue, Suite 500, Anchorage, Alaska. 74 FR 27162, (June 8, 2009).

July 23, 2009 Agency Notice – The U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of the interdepartmental National Invasive Species Council, proposes to appoint new members to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC). The Secretary of the Interior, acting as administrative lead, is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the ISAC. Nominations accepted. 74 FR 27162, (June 8, 2009).

State Department

June 26, 2009 Agency Notice (Meeting) – The Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct an open meeting at 9:30 a.m. to prepare for the 59 th Session of the International Maritime Organization Marine Environmental Protection Committee. The Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting will be held in Room 4202 of the United States Coast Guard Headquarters Building, 2100 Second Street, S.W., Washington, DC. 74 FR 25297, (May 27, 2009).

July 8, 2009 Agency Notice (Meeting) – The Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct an open meeting at 9:30 a.m. to prepare for the 55 th Session of the International Maritime Organization Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation. The Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting will be held in Room 6103 of the United States Coast Guard Headquarters Building, 2100 Second Street, S.W., Washington, DC. 74 FR 25297, (May 27, 2009).

Transportation Department

July 11, 2009 Agency Notice (Meeting) – Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463; 5 U.S.C. App. I), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), to be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (EDT) at the Corporation’s Administration Building, 180 Andrews Street, Massena, NY. 74 FR 29016, (June 18, 2009).