The Coast Guard captain-of-the-port, New Orleans, Capt. Will Watson, has lifted daylight transit only restrictions for deep-draft vessels operating south of Mile 203 on the Lower Mississippi River.
The change was announced in a Marine Safety Information Bulletin issued yesterday.
All other...
In its latest Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB 04-21), the USCG recognizes that travel restrictions imposed by governments around the world have created significant hurdles to crew changes and repatriation of seafarers, reports standard club.
Growing Humanitarian ConcernsThe physical and mental fatigue of seafarers who are unable to leave the vessel at the end of their contracts has led to growing humanitarian concerns as well as concerns for the safety of seafarers and shipping.
The U.S....
https://mfame.guru/msib-recognizes-that-travel-restrictions-created-hurdles-to-seafarers/
The Coast Guard announced last week that Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) that expire between March 1 and Sept. 30 are now extended until March 31, 2021. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the extension criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) Number: 08-20, Change 3).
The Coast Guard also extended Medical Certificates that expire between March 1 and Sept. 30 until Dec. 31, 2020. Mariners who are...
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-again-extends-mmc-endorsements/
The Coast Guard released a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) last week that updates guidance concerning mariner credentials, medical certificates and course approvals. The MSIB also updates the actions being taken by the Coast Guard due to the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes (Covid-19).
The provisions in this MSIB are consistent with the Executive Order on Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery issued on May 19, 2020.
The Coast Guard has also been consulting with the...
Inspections under the new towing vessel inspection program are continuing during the Covid-19 pandemic, but more often using remote technologies.
The Coast Guard and its third-party partners are performing fewer onboard inspections in an effort to limit potential exposure of its inspectors and the boat crews to the coronavirus, opting instead for what the Coast Guard calls “flexible and creative” techniques that put safety first.
These approaches include video conferencing and electronic...
The Coast Guard wants duck boat operators to remove canopies, side curtains and overhead framing to help passengers and crew escape in an emergency.
The recommendation issued Wednesday is based on preliminary findings in the Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) looking into a duck boat sinking that killed 17 people near Branson, Mo., in 2018 — the deadliest duck boat accident ever. The Coast Guard also said it will consider further safety measures for duck boats at the end of the...
https://www.workboat.com/news/passenger-vessels/coast-guard-recommends-duck-boats-remove-canopies/
The Coast Guard released a Marine Safety Information Bulletin Friday on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and how it may affect mariners and maritime commerce. The CDC has updated their Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Cruise Ship Travel.
If a person becomes ill on board any vessel that may adversely affect the safety of a vessel or port facility is a hazardous condition per 33 CFR 160.216 and must be reported immediately to the Coast Guard...
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-coronavirus-update/
Coast Guard funding has lapsed due to the partial federal government shutdown, but the service is required to continue some operations and activities.
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coast-guard-inspections-continue-during-shutdown/