North of England P&I club (think maritime insurance company, kinda) is urging shippers to adopt better loss prevention measures to stem losses of shipping containers, here.
February 2008
Making Power from the Waves
Interesting project on Maui reported in Pacific Business News.
Beach and Ocean Access in the News – Maui Boat Ramp
Community support for State action to obtain (since it expired over 10 years ago) an easement to provide access to a boatramp on Maui is mounting, here.
Coast Guard Commandant Speaks to Press Club
The U.S. Coast Guard Commandant spoke to the National Press Club last week. This video is a pretty good snapshort of some issues facing the service today, including Deepwater procurement program, shortfall in marine inspectors and right-sizing (read: increasing) the size of the Coast Guard. During the question/answer phase, he discusses Katrina, increased presence in…
Cruising to the Mainland – Mexico Stop – Part Cinco
Maritime Insurance Case – Insureds Must Fully Disclose
I will digest this case later, but the Ninth Circuit just issued an opinion in the case of Certain Underwriters at Lloyds, London v. Inlet Fisheries, Inc.. At issue was the duty of insureds to disclose facts to its insurers under the doctrine of uberrimae fidei.
Just Over the Horizon From Paradise – a Floating Dump
I must have missed this in the news – The Independent ran this article earlier this week describing the debris accumulated as a result of the North Pacific gyre. The graphic is compelling with experts estimating that the "garbage soup" is TWICE the size of the continental U.S.
Hat tip to gCaptain.com for the link.
Coast Guard In the News – Old Equipment, New Missions, No Relief from Old Missions
The U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Thad Allen, said that the Coast Guard was facing unprecedented challenges in the variety of tasks it is called upon to execute and the antiquated equipment it is called upon to execute them with.
Adding to that list, LORAN is sticking around…and apparently it is going to be enhanced. …
New Video on the State of Port Security – Another reason to lose sleep at night
Maritimeterrorism.com published a 20 minute video on the state of port security, particularly emphasizing the Newark Port Authority, here.
Great overview of security challenges vexing America’s ports, noting TWIC implementation, physical security issues and other vulnerabilities.
Congress Calls for GAO Investigation Into WESPAC
The House Oversight Committee has called for a Government Accountability Office investigation into the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council alleging inappropriate use of government funds and mismanagement.