Coast Guard Gets Tough on Repeat Rule Violators

The United States Coast Guard has recently advised that all foreign-flagged vessels operating in United States waters are required to be maintained in compliance with United States regulations, international Conventions and other required standards.

By Patrick Burnson
Published: November, 2010 

 
The United States Coast Guard has recently advised that all foreign-flagged vessels operating in United States waters are required to be maintained in compliance with United States regulations, international Conventions and other required standards. So-called “Flags of Convenience” (FOCs) have been linked to a wide range of international crime, terrorism and human rights violations.
 
The Coast Guard has stated that it now has procedures in place so that if ships have a history of operating in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction in a substandard condition, outside acceptable standards, they may be denied entry.
 
“Over the past several years there have been cases where foreign-flagged vessels have been repeatedly detained by Coast Guard Port State Control Officers for significant safety and security non-compliances and substandard conditions,” said spokesmen. “In each case, the vessel’s flag administration was notified and the substandard conditions were corrected; however, the underlying causal factors for the substandard conditions may not have been identified and/or adequately addressed as would be expected if an effective and properly implemented Safety Management System (SMS) was in place.”
 
Denial of entry only applies to vessels that have been repeatedly detained—three detentions within 12 months—and if it is determined that failure to effectively implement the SMS may be a contributing factor to the substandard conditions that led to the detentions.

 

International Maritime Center to Hold “Christmas at Sea” Event

Last month’s column explained the ecological and commercial advantages of “slow steaming” container vessels into the Port of Oakland. But by lengthening the voyage by many days, the toll taken on merchant seamen can be significant; one of the most dangerous and emotionally demanding jobs suddenly becomes even harder. Thankfully, there is one resource that is dedicated to serving these “workers of the waterfront” when they are permitted shore leave.

The International Maritime Center houses a small library, recreation room, snack bar, and internet access. Operated by Searfarers Ministry of the Golden Gate, it relies on the generous contributions of the shipping community for donations and a variety of services. On Saturday, November 6, the center will be hosting “Packing Days for Christmas at Sea.”  More details may be obtained at www.seafarersmistry.com or by calling (510) 893-3104.

 

BSR’s Clean Cargo Working Group Promotes Green Shipping Solutions

San Francisco-based Business for Social Responsibility, or BSR, has been focusing on sustainable shipping practices for some time now. One of its most promising efforts has been the Clean Cargo Working Group, a business- to-business collaboration dedicated to integrating environmentally and socially responsible business principles into transportation management. Participants include more than 25 leading multinational manufacturers, retailers, and freight carriers, which collectively move nearly 60 percent of global container cargo.

Among the benefits to participants are access to tools and best practices in transportation management. Members are also able to leverage a multi-industry approach to efficiently develop solutions for improving the environmental impact of transportation and logistics. www.bsr.org/cleancargo.