Professional Mariner – October 2022

MarAd leader focused on bolstering maritime workforce, promoting equity at sea

Smoothing supply chain, building port infrastructure and supporting U.S.-flagged fleet are other top priorities America’s maritime industry must adapt and change to retain its current workforce and attract a new generation of mariners, according to the new leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). Although that responsibility lies with the operators themselves, U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips believes MarAd can…

Subchapter M compliance deadline arrives, marking new era for towing industry

The deadline for compliance with Subchapter M inspection rules has come and gone, signaling a new era for America’s towing industry. Operators had until July 19 to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) indicating the vessel meets basic safety standards. The COI demonstrates the vessel has undergone a Coast Guard inspection, supplemented for most vessels by an…

Eastern Shipbuilding protests cutter award to Austal USA

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) is challenging the U.S. Coast Guard’s contract with Austal USA to build up to 11 offshore patrol cutters (OPCs), alleging performance issues with the Alabama shipyard and irregularities in the bidding process. Eastern, based in Panama City, Fla., said the Coast Guard leaked its pricing data, putting Eastern at a distinct disadvantage for the Stage 2…

Inflation, labor shortages push Soo Locks upgrades past $3 billion

Inflation and higher demand nationwide for contractors has nearly tripled the estimated cost of Soo Locks renovations to more than $3 billion. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is now seeking additional money for the project that will add a third functioning lock to a facility known as “the linchpin of the Great Lakes.” “There are a few [factors]…

Repowered New Jersey keeps travelers on the move

Capt. Jim Harkin had just finished explaining the attributes of the repowered Cape May-Lewes Ferry New Jersey when he heard the familiar sound of a car alarm on the main deck. He paused for a moment while his pilot, former ferry system captain Tom Lippincott, tried to locate the owner of a white Mercedes with New Jersey tags. Luxury cars,…

State ferry captain resigns after ‘hard landing’ in Washington

Federal authorities are investigating a “hard landing” involving a Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel that caused extensive damage to the ferry and a Seattle terminal. The captain of the vessel, the 328-foot Cathlamet, resigned from the ferry service within days of the incident. He has not been publicly identified. The incident happened on July 28 at about 0815 as…

Owner believes mooring lines tampered with before ferry capsized

A historic ferry that carried passengers and vehicles in the Pacific Northwest for generations capsized and sank at its moorings along the Columbia River — possibly after someone tampered with the lines. The vessel, Tourist No. 2, was discovered partially submerged near the Sixth Street Pier in Astoria, Ore., early on July 28. The boat rolled over sometime during the overnight hours,…

Bulker loses propulsion, goes adrift near Southeast Alaska

A bulk carrier lost propulsion and went adrift off Southeast Alaska before a Canadian Coast Guard emergency tugboat brought the vessel under tow roughly seven miles from land. Crew aboard the 739-foot Darya Shanti told authorities on July 8 that it had partially lost propulsion while underway in Canadian waters. The ship was roughly 50 miles west-southwest of Dall Island,…

Fuel spills during bunkering on the Lower Mississippi River

Up to 2,100 gallons of fuel oil entered the Lower Mississippi River near Kenner, La., following a spill that occurred during bunkering operations, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Rhine was loading fuel at about 1720 on July 28 in the Ama Anchorage at mile marker 115 when the discharge occurred. Crew on the ship ultimately secured…

NTSB: Pilot failed to compensate for outdraft before hitting dam wall

The pilot of a downbound tow that hit an Illinois lock wall during high water failed to compensate for gusty winds and a strong outdraft from the nearby dam, federal investigators said. The 5,600-hp Kevin Michael was pushing 15 barges down the Upper Mississippi River when a barge on the starboard string struck the front of the Melvin Price…