Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
- United States, Delaware River – Canal closed due to fog
- United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – EXERCISE: Change to MARSEC Level 2
- Singapore, Jurong Port – Removal of submarine pipeline
DATE: April 20, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: Delaware River – Canal closed due to fog
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal to all vessel traffic due to fog at 0633 hours today (20 April). It was reopened at 1013 hours.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
DATE: April 20, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – EXERCISE: Change to MARSEC Level 2
The US Coast Guard Delaware Bay has advised that the MARSEC Level has been raised to MARSEC Level 2 for the duration of an exercise being conducted within the Port of Philadelphia.
All next week, the Port of Philadelphia will be taking part in various exercises and drills for port preparedness. Any owner/vessel within the port during that time should expect to see increased patrols but they should not interfere with normal port operations.
The Marine Safety Information Bulletin #07-12 states:
QUOTE… The Captain of the Port & Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, Sector Delaware Bay is notifying all maritime public and private owners of maritime vessels and facilities of any kind located in the Captain of Port Delaware Bay Area, to include the waters of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware that the United States Coast Guard has raised the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Level to MARSEC Level 2….
….Vessels and facilities that have developed security plans for MARDESC 2 should implement them by 8am Tuesday April 24, 2012 and report the successful attainment of MARSEC 2 immediately upon attainment to USCG Delaware Bay Command Center on 215-271-4807 or 4960. Smaller facilities and vessels that do not currently have a MARSEC 2 plan should use the recommended practices below to review their own security practices.
The U.S. Coast Guard in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security has developed a list of recommended practices during this period of increased security.
GENERAL 1. Increase situational awareness of world events and ongoing threats, and be aware of your surroundings. 2. Report suspicious packages, devices, unattended briefcases, or other unusual materials immediately; do not handle or attempt to move any such subject. 3. Report suspicious vehicles and/or erratic behavious of occupants. 4. Keep family members and supervisors apprised of your whereabouts. 5. Know the location of emergency exits and stairwells and rally points to ensure safe egress. 6. Make a plan for what you will do in an emergency and make a kit of emergency supplies…. …UNQUOTE.
The Bulletin gives further specific information about MARSEC Level 2.
For more details or information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
DATE: April 20, 2012 – COUNTRY: Singapore – PORT: Jurong Port – Removal of submarine pipeline
From 24 April to 31 June 2012, works to remove a submarine pipeline will be carried out off Jurong Island.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.49 of 2012 dated 19 April 2012, the works will be conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – Ayer Chawan Basin and its vicinity, within the working area bounded by the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum)
- A) 01° 16.723’N / 103° 42.574’E
- B) 01° 16.747’N / 103° 42.500’E
- C) 01° 16.530’N / 103° 42.433’E
- D) 01° 16.507’N / 103° 42.508’E
The crane barge “Intan 1804” will be used for the removal of the pipeline. A tug boat will assist in manouvering the crane barge for the operation. A safety boat will be in attendance at all times to warn and re-direct craft in the vicinity to keep clear of the working area.
Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.
When in the vicinity of the working area, mariners are reminded to:
- (a) Keep well clear and not to enter the working area;
- (b) Maintain a proper lookout;
- (c) Proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution;
- (d) Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 22 (Jurong Control); and
- (e) Communicate with Jurong Control on VHF Channel 22 for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
