News Archives from 10-22-08 to 11-25-08

Marine Exchange Installs AIS in Pribilof Islands - 11/25/2008

The Marine Exchange, with the financial support provided by Oceana, installed the 60th AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiving site in Alaska managed by the Marine Exchange to aid safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible maritime operations. Earlier this month Marine Exchange technician Steve Lanwermeyer traveled to both Saint George and Saint Paul islands to install AIS receivers. The Saint George AIS site is expected to come on line In December after an internet satellite dish is installed. The Central Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association (CBSFA) offered their building to install the AIS station at Saint George Island and providing the needed power.

This AIS site materialized due to the shared interests, commitment and support provided by Oceana, a non- governmental environmental organization, CBSFA, a fishermen’s organization and the Marine Exchange. Over time this vessel tracking tool will likely play a role in preventing the loss of lives and property as well as preventing environmental harm.

A screen shot of the first vessel picked up by this AIS site is shown as well as a photo of Steve Lanwermeyer who traveled to the Islands to install the equipment.

 

Passing of Lou McCall . . . - 11/24/2008
Passing of Lou McCall: It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Lou McCall, our recently-retired Juneau Harbormaster, after his heroic battle with cancer. Lou’s reputation for having a positive impact on maritime community was not limited to Juneau or even Alaska, but to the Pacific Coast. His indefatigable energy, strategic thinking, common sense and passion for doing things right were an inspiration to all of us.

Lou earlier served as the Deputy Harbormaster in Sitka, and as an active, "Lifetime" member of Alaska's Association of Harbormasters & Port Administrators (AAHPA). It was Lou’s persistence that led to the establishment of a TWIC enrollment center in Southeast Alaska saving the Alaska maritime industry millions in travel costs and loss time. Lou, shown appropriately center stage in the photograph at the first day the Juneau TWIC center was open, made things happen! May you be blessed with Fair Winds and Following Seas Lou.

arrowBack to top

Sector Juneau Emergency Number . . . - 10/31/2008
Coast Guard Sector Juneau has requested that all facilities holding approved Security Plans under 33 CFR Part 105 and Coast Guard examined Oil Transfer Operations Manuals and Coast Guard approved Oil Spill Response Plans under 33 CFR Part 154 amend their plans to show that the emergency number to use to contact Sector Juneau is (907) 463 2980. This number is to be used to alert the local Captain of the Port for any emergencies, oil spills, reportable casualties or security breaches. All oil spills, hazmat incidents and security breaches are still required to be reported to the National Response Center at 1-800-424 8802. The local number is provided so it can be listed in local Southeast Alaska area plans and can be used in addition to the required report to the National Response Center. Facilities are requested to make pen and ink changes to their plans and provide a copy to Sector Juneau either by fax or e mail. Facility managers with questions should contact Petty Officer Marin at (907) 463 2450.

arrowBack to to

New AIS Transponder Approved . . . - 10/24/2008
Shine Micro announced October 16, 2008, that its RadarPlus AIS BX AIS transponder has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. This device provides a low cost solution for vessel operators that up until this time has not been available as the only approved AIS transponders were considerably more expensive. Complete details are in the Shine Micro Press release linked below.

LOW COST AIS B TRANSPONDER AVAILABLE

Shine Micro Press Release

arrowBack to to

New Stability Proposed Rule . . . - 10/22/2008
The Coast Guard published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 20, 2008, regarding Passenger Weight and Inspected Vessel Stability Requirements. The NPRM clarifies and updates intact stability and subdivision and damaged stability regulations for the carriage of passengers for hire and updates the weight per person used for calculating the number of persons allowed for all vessels. The NPRM would require periodic confirmation of the stability characteristics of the vessel and more positive delineation of the methods the master uses to verify that the vessel is in a satisfactory condition to operate with regards to stability prior to departure on every voyage. Complete details are in the attached federal register notice below.

PROPOSED STABILITY REGULATIONS

Stability Federal Register

arrowBack to top