briefs
news
New Environmental Regs Course
The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) announced their upcoming "Introduction to the Maritime Environment and EPA General Permit" Course. The course is designed in two oneday modules. The first day is an introduction to the environmental aspects of vessel operations and the basic structure of the marine international and federal regulatory environment. This module is intended to give vessel operators a broad perspective on the potential environmental impacts of their operations in order to gain a greater appreciation for why the permit has been required. This section will cover MARPOL and U.S. Coast Guard Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships requirements, focusing principally on bilge water, ballast water, gray and blackwater as well as air pollution prevention requirements under international and federal law. Module 2 consists of one day devoted specifically to the permit.
Biodiesel Ferry
Naval Station Pearl Harbor and the National Park Service activated the first USS Arizona Memorial biodiesel ferry boat #39-1 John W. Finn during a ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial and Visitor Center April 7. The John W. Finn is the first of five new boats that will ultimately replace the existing 20-year-old U.S. Navy-operated tour boats that transport 1.5 million visitors per year to and from the memorial. The boats were acquired through a Federal Transit Administration grant and State-of-Hawaii matching funds, which required procurement of boats that demonstrate clean fuel technology. The boats incorporate Tier 2 diesel engines and a blend of off-the-shelf clean fuel propulsion technologies consisting of biodiesel fuel, diesel oxidation and fuel borne catalysts to reduce emissions. The five boats are named in honor of five Medal of Honor recipients from the Pearl Harbor attack. John W. Finn was a chief aviation ordnanceman stationed at Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, and is the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient from the Pearl Harbor attack.
Seaway Celebrates 50
The St. Lawrence Seaway celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 31, at the St. Lambert Lock. The Seaway was inaugurated in 1959 by Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower. Since its creation, over 2.5 billion tonnes of cargo valued in excess of $375b has been transported via the Seaway. A hands free mooring system currently being tested in the Seaway's Welland Canal holds the potential to automate much of a vessel's transit, while accommodating a wider variety of vessels into existing lock chambers. Incentive programs initiated by the SLSMC were credited with attracting over 1.8 million tons of new cargo to the Seaway last year, contributing $3.2m in incremental revenue.
Each student will be provided a copy of the vessel general permit, and much of the class will involve discussion and analysis of permit language focusing on how requirements will apply to specific vessels operated by the students. Several classroom exercises will reinforce key learning concepts while catering to the more active learning demands of the adult student. Specific requirements for permit administration will be covered, providing the student with insight into the management systems necessary to assure compliance. The class will focus on effluent limitations, corrective actions, monitoring recordkeeping and reporting. Classroom discussion and activities will be intended to lead the student through active learning exercises in applying permit concepts to their operations. Go to www.mates.org/env1.html for more information.
Cal Maritime Security Officer Refresher Course
The U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, through DNV, has approved a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Refresher Course developed by The California Maritime Academy, a part of The California State University. The course, offered through Cal Maritime's Sponsored Projects and Extended Learning (SPEL) Department, provides a refresher curriculum for maritime security personnel and is designed to facilitate the transition to the USCG mandatory training for Vessel Security Officers. Effective July 1, 2009 licensed mariners designated as Vessel or Ship Security Officers will have to pass an approved Vessel Security Officer course, or take an approved VSO Refresher course. The Refresher course addresses all the latest requirements of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 and the TWIC program, as well as other recent developments and complies with the Guidelines for Maritime Security Training Course Provider (Federal Register February 8, 2005 - Volume 70, Number 25).
Go to www.maritime-education.com for more information
28 MN
May 2009