Publication > Professional Mariner – Page 126

28 Aug

Five years later, a smoother trip through the TWIC process

Professional Mariner StaffA Mariner's Notebook, Publication > Professional Mariner

Anyone who holds a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must have a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. A little more than five years ago, like thousands of others, I “jumped through the hoops” and was issued my card. By the time the process was complete, I was glad to have that done — at least until…

25 Jul

In comments to Coast Guard, maritime groups urge caution on TWIC reader rule

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner

Before asking the industry to invest in Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) readers, the Department of Homeland Security should reassess the effectiveness of the entire program. That’s the consensus of many industry comments on the U.S. Coast Guard’s proposed TWIC reader requirements. The Coast Guard solicited public comments via its website as well as public meetings. The comment period was…

25 Jul

Audit: Unclear if TWIC improves maritime security

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner

The centerpiece of the nation’s port security program does not increase security and the whole program should be reassessed, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The GAO conducted an audit of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card reader pilot program and found the results were “incomplete, inaccurate and unreliable for informing Congress and for developing a regulation about…

25 Jul

Will your vessel need a TWIC electronic reader?

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner

A breakdown of the vessel categories in the U.S. Coast Guard’s proposed rule requiring TWIC electronic readers: Risk Group A, the highest group: (1) Vessels that carry certain dangerous cargoes (CDC) in bulk; (2) vessels certificated to carry more than 1,000 passengers; and (3) towing vessels engaged in towing barges subject to paragraphs (1) or (2). These vessels and facilities…

25 Jul

U.S. Coast Guard announces first wave of accepted ballast water treatment systems

Professional Mariner StaffPublication > Professional Mariner

This past spring, the U.S. Coast Guard announced a list of ballast water treatment systems that may be used in U.S. waters for a period of five years. The initial roster includes products under nine brand names. More makes and models are being added as proper paperwork is submitted and the Coast Guard gives the go-ahead. At this point, the…

25 Jul

U.S. shipowners start shopping for ballast water treatment systems

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner

For years, commercial maritime fleet operators have known that stricter rules for ballast water discharges were on the horizon. In the spring of 2013, three regulatory milestones occurred that mean it’s now time for engineers to spring into action. In late March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its new Vessel General Permit (VGP) final rule. As expected, the…

25 Jul

U.S. preparing compliance system for the Maritime Labor Convention’s August deadline

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner

An international labor agreement creating standards for the working conditions of mariners goes into effect Aug. 20. The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) sets the worldwide rights of mariners to decent conditions of work and living. The goal is to create a level playing field for countries and shipowners so they are not undercut by competition from poorly run ships, according…

25 Jul

Fifth-generation McAllister becomes top leader in family business, AWO

Professional Mariner StaffPublication > Professional Mariner, Tugboats & Towing

The first half of 2013 was eventful in the life of Brian Buckley McAllister. First it was announced that Buckley, the son of Capt. Brian McAllister and a fifth-generation member of the famous New York tugboat family, was promoted to president of McAllister Towing and Transportation Co. (MT&T), a position his father held since 1984. The elder McAllister remains as…

25 Jul

On the B.C. coast, regulations are catalyst for well-designed compact crew boats

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner

The greater part of the rugged inlets and islands that make up the British Columbia coast are accessible only by floatplane or boat. Most floatplanes take only three to five passengers and not a lot of freight. Heavy cargos are hauled on ramp barges or landing craft. When a larger crew or smaller freight needs to be transported, the role…

25 Jul

Overtaking or crossing? Don’t assume what other ship will do

Professional Mariner StaffPublication > Professional Mariner, Tugboats & Towing

The overtaking situation is generally regarded as a type of vessel encounter presenting the least risk to the vessels involved. This is primarily due to the fact that, in contrast to crossing and head-on situations, overtaking often involves low relative speeds between the vessels, resulting in a more slowly developing situation that the mariner is better able to appreciate, analyze…