28 Mar

Pilot project to test retrofitting technology for reducing emissions from diesel engines

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
In an effort to find ways to reduce air pollution from existing marine engines, APL is retrofitting one of its containerships with three promising innovations. The pilot project involves APL's post-Panamax 64,502-gross-ton, 5,108-TEU containership APL Singapore. The ship's two stroke, 66,398-hp MAN B&W 11K90MC-C diesel engine will be fitted with: • a water-fuel emulsion system developed by Sea to Sky…
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28 Mar

Training programs launched to counter shortage of qualified mates on tugs

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training, Maritime News
New training programs are being created to meet the chronic shortage of qualified individuals for the tug and towing industry and to help unlicensed mariners become officers. On the West Coast, Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) has created a two-year, full-time program for those new to the industry interested in becoming officers. PMI is also offering a 20-week AB-to-mate program. On…
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28 Mar

Coast Guard attempts to convince the public and Congress that it can fix Deepwater

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
Mariners around Key West and South Florida have enough to worry about: storms, drug traffickers, illegal aliens, terrorist activity, cruise-ship emergencies and a potentially chaotic flotilla of Cuban refugees that may follow the death of Fidel Castro. Now they have one additional problem that could aggravate all the other risks. The Coast Guard has yanked eight patrol vessels out of…
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14 Mar

Towing Safety Advisory Committee seeks new members

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
Washington - The U.S. Coast Guard is soliciting applications for seven positions to the Towing Safety Advisory Committee.  Applications must be received on or before March 30, 2007. The TSAC advises the Secretary of Homeland Security on matters relating to shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and towing safety. The Coast Guard uses this advice in formulating the position of…
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14 Mar

CBP to assess fines for violation of the wood packaging import regulations

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
Effective Friday March 9, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may issue claims for liquidated damages and/or penalties against importers, carriers or bonded custodians for importing wood packaging material (WPM) in violation of the regulations. Liquidated damages result from a breach of obligation under bond. When violations occur, liquidated damages and/or penalties will be assessed based on the value of the…
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