Alerts

Aging ‘Voice of the National Weather Service’ may soon sound better

Tractor-trailer on a highway with communications towers in the background.

A House bill in committee since late September proposes to substantially upgrade the nation’s official severe weather alert system, which is aging and full of gaps.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2021 would improve coverage of severe weather alerts and add a backup system for damaged transmitters. 

Related: What does La Nina mean for truckers this winter?

“Nothing goes off on your cellphone, nothing goes off on your outdoor sirens,...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/aging-voice-of-the-national-weather-service-may-soon-sound-better

Liberia issues advisory to enhance ship operations during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Liberia Maritime Authority issued a marine advisory informing Shipowners, Operators, Masters and Recognized Organizations how to act in case they are facing difficulties in conducting their operations due to the outbreak.

Specifically, Liberia published a guidance to assist ship operations run smoothly. If shipowners and operators face difficulties including restricted access to shipyards and ports for inspectors, auditors, surveyors and seafarers, which could...

https://safety4sea.com/liberia-issues-advisory-to-enhance-ship-operations-during-covid-19/

Canada issues bulletin for asymptomatic crew

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Transport Canada issued a bulletin concerning the mobility of asymptomatic workers in the shipping sector.

Specifically, according to the bulletin, exemption is provided allowing Marine Sector Workers who have to travel to Canada to perform their duties, to board an international flight destined to Canada.

Yet, no traveller can board a flight/enter Canada if they have a fever and cough or a fever and breathing difficulties. On the other hand, those with no...

https://safety4sea.com/canada-issues-bulletin-for-asymptomatic-crew/

Parana river draft restrictions due to lowered water levels

It has been reported that the water levels in the Parana River/ River Plate system have been dropping below average, leading to the Hydrographic Authorities and the Coast Guard issuing a notice advising masters to exercise caution when navigating in the waters.

Specifically, it is highlighted that the forecast of the hydrometric heights issued by the Hydrological Information and Alert System for the Del Plata Basin corresponding to the National Institute of Water (INA), for the next few days the...

https://safety4sea.com/parana-river-draft-restrictions-due-to-lowered-water-levels/

EU: Guidelines ensuring availability of goods amid COVID-19

The EU Commission presented guidelines to Member States on health-related border management measures in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, for the protection of citizens’ health, ensure the right treatment of people who do have to travel, and make sure essential goods and services remain available.

The guidelines were launched mid-March, with President von der Leyen commenting that

Our measures to contain the Coronavirus outbreak will be effective only if we coordinate on the European level....

https://safety4sea.com/eu-guidelines-ensuring-availability-of-goods-amid-covid-19/

USGG sets temporary exemptions concerning TWIC operations

In light of the COVID-19 situation, the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy released a Marine Safety Information, concerning the “Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Operations”, clarifying temporary exemptions to credential expiration related to the outbreak.

According to the USCG, the regulations outlined throughout 33 and 46 Code of Federal Regulations remain in force, and maritime operators are expected to continue to comply with these requirements.

Howeve...

https://safety4sea.com/usgg-sets-temporary-exemptions-concerning-twic-operations/

EU: Passenger rights legislation amid the COVID-19 outbreak

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has, the European Commission launched a set of guidelines, presenting the certain provisions of the EU passenger rights legislation apply in the context of the COVID-19, notably with respect to cancellations and delays.

In reference to EU’s guidelines, the Cyprus Ministry of Shipping republished the guidelines, with Acting Permanent Secretary Shipping Deputy Ministry to the President commenting that

I refer to the above subject and I wish to...

https://safety4sea.com/eu-passenger-rights-legislation-amid-the-covid-19-outbreak/

Palau registered vessels banned from entering autonomous Republic of Crimea and city of Sevastopol

The Palau international Ship Registry issued a marine notice informing all Shipowners, Operators, Deputy Registrars, and Recognized Organizations about the implementation of regulations and sanctions imposed by the United Nations that affect sea trade in Ukrainian and Crimean Waters.

Specifically, the notice informs ship-owners, ship-operators, shipmanagers, and Masters of Palau registered vessels of the closure of Ukrainian seaports in the temporarily occupied territory of Autonomous Republic...

https://safety4sea.com/palau-registered-vessels-banned-from-entering-autonomous-republic-of-crimea-and-city-of-sevastopol/

Panama Maritime Authority extends statutory certification & services

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Panama Maritime Authority issued a marine notice informing all Shipowners, Operators and Recognized Organizations on how to proceed in case of requests for postponements extension of statutory certification & services.

In fact, this exceptional measures are taken essentially in response to the current shut-downs, lock downs, and travel restrictions, implemented by several States worldwide as Panama Maritime Authority allows its Recognized Organizations to:

1....

https://safety4sea.com/panama-maritime-authority-extends-statutory-certification-services/

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