OMSA

Admiral Richard V. Timme joins OMSA as senior advisor

The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) reports that Rear Admiral Richard V. Timme, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), has joined the association as a senior advisor.

OMSA says that the appointment underscores its longstanding commitment to working collaboratively with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and other regulatory agencies to develop practical, common-sense solutions that enhance the safety and security of the U.S. maritime industry.

“I’m excited to join the OMSA team and continue more than three...

https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/admiral-richard-v-timme-joins-omsa-as-senior-advisor/

USCG revises Safer Seas Act video and audio surveillance requirements

The Offshore Marine Services Association (OMSA) is applauding the U.S. Coast Guard for amending its previously-issued Policy Letter to now allow for practical data-storage methods for the video and audio surveillance requirements of the Safer Seas Act.

OMSA adds that its collaborative approach advances pragmatic safety and regulatory measures while prioritizing the well-being of mariners. This commitment to finding balanced solutions is integral to the shared, broader mission of fostering a safe...

https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/uscg-revises-safer-seas-act-video-and-audio-surveillance-requirements/

New AOWFA legislation aims to close offshore energy Jones Act loophole

The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) is applauding the introduction of the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act (AOWFA), saying, “this important legislation provides a step forward towards providing parity between U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels operating in U.S. offshore energy markets and ensuring that U.S. energy creation means U.S. jobs.

The AOWFA legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La) and is an updated version of the bill that he introduced...

https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/new-aowfa-legislation-aims-to-close-offshore-energy-jones-act-loophole/

Senate bill introduced to close Jones Act offshore loophole

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) yesterday introduced the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act. The legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Garret Graves (R-La.-06) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.-03).

According to Cassidy’s office, the bill provides a level playing field between U.S. flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels working in offshore energy activities in U.S. waters. The changes also improve the oversight of foreign-flagged vessels and...

https://www.marinelog.com/offshore/offshore-bill-introduced-to-close-jones-act-loophole/

Congress could act to limit foreign workers in U.S. offshore wind

Foreign-flag vessels and crews employed in the early stages of U.S. offshore wind energy are undercutting opportunities for American mariners, an industry spokesman told members of Congress Tuesday.

At an average pay around $70,000 “marine jobs are just the kind of jobs that government policy should be promoting, said Aaron Smith, president of the Offshore Marine Service Association told members of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

But during 2020, 12 to 15 foreign flag...

https://www.workboat.com/news/offshore/congress-could-act-to-limit-foreign-workers-in-u-s-offshore-wind/

OMSA expands its board of directors

Jackson Offshore's 4,357-dwt OSV Breeze. Photo courtesy of Jackson Offshore

Last week, the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) expanded its board of directors and nominated a new slate of board members for 2020 – 2021. The new members are led by incoming Chairman Minor “Tony” Cheramie III.

The new directors include:
• Ashton Laborde: President, Laborde Marine;
• Garrett Rice: Chief Financial Officer, Master Boat Builders Inc.;
• Caitlin Sause: Vice President, Sause Bros. Ocean Towing Co. Inc.; and
• Karl Senner: President, Karl Senner LLC;

The slate of nominations...

https://www.workboat.com/news/offshore/omsa-expands-its-board-of-directors/

NOSAC approves final report on OSV use in disaster response

The Hornbeck OSV Red Dawn. With their big cargo decks and massive tank capacity, OSVs can be suitable for disaster recovery operations, industry advocates say. Easter Shipbuilding photo

Yesterday, the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) approved recommendations to increase the ability of energy service vessels to assist in disaster response activities.

The recommendations can be found in the final report entitled, “Use of Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) and other vessels in restoration and recovery efforts.” The report was produced by NOSAC’s Restoration & Recovery Activity Subcommittee.

Yesterday’s report finalizes and builds upon an interim report approved by...

https://www.workboat.com/news/offshore/nosac-approves-final-report-on-osv-use-in-disaster-response/

OMSA provides list of hurricane relief vessels

The offshore service vessel Harvey Deep-Sea in Louisiana. LSU photo.

Early last week as Hurricane Dorian churned west, the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) surveyed its members to see what vessels could do relief work — a move designed to let the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Maritime Administration (Marad) know in advance exactly what was available before any Jones Act waivers were considered.

“We didn’t know what would be needed,” OMSA president Aaron Smith said Wednesday. So they asked operators about everything from berthing and...

https://www.workboat.com/news/offshore/omsa-provides-list-of-hurricane-relief-vessels/

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