26 Feb

Cal Maritime crew honored for 2008 rescue of two fishermen

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is the text of a press release issue by California Maritime Academy:   (VALLEJO, Calif.) -- Capt. Paul Leyda and crewmembers of the California Maritime Academy’s Training Ship Golden Bear (TSGB) have been honored with the 2008 Mary Patten Valiant Ship Award and Commendation for Bravery and Outstanding Seamanship. The honor, given by the Women’s Propeller Club of…
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25 Feb

Ship operator to pay $1.75 million in Fla. ‘magic pipe’ case

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Justice Department:   (WASHINGTON) -- U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced the Japanese corporation Hiong Guan Navegacion Japan Co. Ltd., that operates the commercial cargo ship M/V Balsa-62, to three years probation and $1.75 million in penalties for conspiring to falsify and falsifying environmental compliance…
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25 Feb

Dangerous Khapra beetles found crawling in ship at Everett, Wash.

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(EVERETT, Wash.) -- Dangerous Khapra beetles, which can devastate agricultural crops, were found on a ship docked at Everett, the Daily Herald newspaper reported. Customs inspectors spotted several of the beetles crawling amidst a load of dried foods including rice and beans. The ship, which loaded a cargo of steel at Everett and unloaded nothing, had called at Portland, Ore., Egypt, Greece and Denmark.…
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25 Feb

Report: Ocean liner SS United States may be sold for scrap

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
(PHILADELPHIA) -- The ocean liner SS United States may be sold for scrap because refurbishment plans have fallen through, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported. Norwegian Cruise Line had announced intentions to renovate the historic ship, which was once the world's fastest ocean liner. The project's price tag is estimated to be at least $100 million, and two preservationist groups say…
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24 Feb

NOAA research ship on National Register of Historic Places

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is the text of a press release issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:   (WASHINGTON) -- NOAA Ship John N. Cobb, a former fisheries research vessel based in Seattle, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, the federal government’s official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Cobb will join more…
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23 Feb

Cummings: Coast Guard civil rights findings ‘deeply disturbing’

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a letter released by the office of Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md.:     February 22, 2009 Admiral Thad Allen Commandant, United States Coast Guard Coast Guard Headquarters 2100 2nd Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20593 Dear Admiral Allen: Given the serious accusations made against the Coast Guard’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR), I applaud your decision to…
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23 Feb

TSA: Power outage messed up TWIC cards’ PIN reset equipment

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News
The following is a statement listed under "Frequently Asked Questions" on the Transportation Security Administration's Web site explaining the problem with the TWIC personal identification numbers and what cardholders must do in response:   How do I reset the personal identification number (PIN) on my TWIC? If you were issued a card after October 21st: To reset your PIN, you…
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