The US Coast Guard proposes to increase the rates for pilotage on the Great Lakes by an average of approximately 4% to generate sufficient revenue to cover allowable expenses, target pilot compensation, and return on investment. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by September 20…
Waterborne cargo contributes more than $742b to the U.S. economy, and creates employment for more than 13 million people. To keep the marine transportation system functioning efficiently and safely, NOAA annually prioritizes areas that need hydrographic surveys…
The USCG-MMS Joint Investigation released its Roadmap for determining the causes of the Deepwater Horizon casualty and improving the safety net for MODUs operating on the US outer continental shelf (OCS):1st Public Hearings (5/11‐12/10)•…
In his weekly address, President Barack Obama spoke of his commitment to helping the people of the Gulf Coast recover and rebuild from the BP oil spill that has threatened their livelihoods. On June 4, the President heard from local residents…
On May 29, 2010, the following statement by President Obama regarding the latest efforts to contain the BP oil spill was released:“Today, I’ve spoken with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, as well as Energy Secretary Steven Chu…
NOAA's Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) is seeking applications for the HSRP 2010 Panel Membership Solicitation process. NOAA would greatly appreciate your distributing the attached Federal Register Notice to interested applicants. Closing date is June 30…
According to a May 14 report from the Associated Press, the Obama administration said on May 14 it is tightening procedures at the agency that grants offshore drilling permits to ensure it follows all environmental laws. Interior Secretary Ken…
The first political backlash from the recent explosion and sinking of Deepwater Horizon appears to be the Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service, as it movement is reportedly underway to split the agency that polices the offshore drilling industry…
Representative Wittman (R-VA) introduced the National Shipbuilding Budget Policy Act (H.R. 5035) to authorize appropriations for the construction of vessels for the Navy and to authorize appropriations for loan guarantees for commercial vessels…
The federal government announced that it would remove the remaining 52 ships that are currently moored in the Suisun Bay as part of an agreement with environmental groups that was filed in federal court in Sacramento, Calif., the Department…
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that, as part of a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the nation’s energy security and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, the Obama Administration will expand oil and gas development and exploration on the U…
The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on a possible revision to the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 11-93 Applicability of Tonnage Measurement Systems to U.S. flagged vessels for the purpose of updating it and improving…
The Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced the appointment of Alan Thornhill as Science Advisor to MMS Director Liz Birnbaum. In this capacity, Thornhill will assist Director Birnbaum in the review of scientific…
OMSA released the following statement in reaction to the administration plan to unveil new offshore oil and gas areas:As the association representing the owners and operators of the offshore supply vessels that support offshore exploration…
Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird announced that as part of Canada’s Northern Strategy, the federal government is proposing a regulated Arctic traffic zone, requiring certain vessels to report information to authorities as they pass through Canada’s northern waters…