23 Oct

Coast Guard urges mariners to check fuel oil quick-closing valves

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a safety alert issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:   INSPECTION OF FUEL OIL QUICK-CLOSING VALVES The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that owners and/or operators, vessel engineers, marine inspection personnel and others involved with the technical examination of machinery space equipment fully understand the critical nature and importance of fuel oil quick-closing valves (FOQCVs) and associated…
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23 Oct

Coast Guard issues safety alert on cargo pump engines

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a safety alert issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:   ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED CARGO PUMP ENGINE COMPONENTS For many years, cargo pump engines on weather decks of Subchapter D & O tank barges had mechanical-type start and control systems. The installation of electronically controlled engines on tank barges since the 1990s has introduced non-approved electrical equipment associated with engine monitoring and…
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23 Oct

Interlake to reactivate laker that had been laid up since 1981

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(STURGEON BAY, Wis.) -- Interlake Steamship is reactivating a cargo freighter that had been laid up since 1981, the Green Bay Press-Gazette newspaper reported. Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay is contracted for the major refit, which includes self-unloading equipment, low-emission propulsion systems and an improved pilothouse. The 806-foot John Sherwin is schedule to be ready to sail again in early…
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22 Oct

Coast Guard, TSA announce another round of TWIC deadlines

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:   (WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday that April 14, 2009, is the Transportation Worker Identification Credential compliance date for owners and operators of facilities located within the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Zones of Houston-Galveston,…
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22 Oct

Shipping lines hire U.S. security firms to thwart maritime pirates

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(NAIROBI, Kenya) -- International shipping lines have hired at least two U.S. security companies to help thwart piracy in the waters off Somalia, the Voice of America reported. Blackwater has sent a private military ship to the region. HollowPoint Protective Services is placing specially trained security crew on merchant ships to defend the vessels in hostile waters.   Click here to…
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21 Oct

Auditor: DRD Towing crews lacked training papers, smoked in bed

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(NEW ORLEANS) -- An auditor for the American Waterways Operators said the tugboat company involved in the July oil spill in New Orleans lacked proof of safety training, the Times-Picayune newspaper reported. There was also evidence that DRD Towing crews smoked in bed. The auditor said he recorded 52 violations during his 2008 visit, which occurred before the accident involving…
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21 Oct

Detroit River cruise ship to begin excursion voyages this weekend

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(WINDSOR, Ontario) -- The Detroit River cruise ship M/V Senator will begin excursion voyages this weekend, the Windsor Star newspaper reported. The vessel operator had hoped to begin service in September, but it was delayed by insurance and refit problems. The 23-meter, 140-passenger vessel had formerly operated in the Ottawa area.   Click here to view the newspaper's story.
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