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
2008
Cruising to the Mainland – Mexico Stop – Part Cinco
By Mark M. Murakami on
Maritime Insurance Case – Insureds Must Fully Disclose
By Mark M. Murakami on
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
By Mark M. Murakami on
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
By Mark M. Murakami on
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
By Mark M. Murakami on
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
By Mark M. Murakami on
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.
Army Corps of Engineers’ 2009 Budget Request Released
By Mark M. Murakami on
The Army Corps of Engineers has released its Fiscal Year 2009 budget request.
Of note in the Oceania region (on PDF page 12), $300,000 for a survey of the Ala Wai canal on Oahu, $200,000 for preconstruction engineering and design at Maalaea Harbor on Maui, and $350,000 for a flood control survey of the…
Not So Fast Mr. President – Judge Rejects Exemption in California Sonar Litigation
By Mark M. Murakami on
A federal judge in Los Angeles has rejected the Presidential exemption (posted here) and has enjoined sonar use by the Navy off the coast of California (original order posted here).
Calling the Presidential exemption "constitutionally suspect", the judge reaffirmed her prior decision enjoining the training exercises without mitigation measures pending completion of
Homeland Security Requires Better ID
By Mark M. Murakami on
Department of Homeland Security published its new guidelines governing identification required of American citizens returning from abroad. Abandoning the oral declaration rule, the new rules require:
- U.S. or Canadian Passport
- U.S. Passport Card (Available spring 2008)*
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)*
- State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available – this secure
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