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By MarEx 2016-06-17 21:00:12
With only two weeks remaining until the implementation deadline for SOLAS verified gross mass (VGM) weighing for shipping containers, the Federal Maritime Commission has threatened action against any ocean carrier unable to find a way to "embrace the obvious solution to achieving compliance that Marine Terminal Operators can offer."
The U.S. Coast Guard has ruled that any container weights obtained using existing equipment and standards for purposes of complying with existing U.S. laws will also be sufficient for VGM purposes. While the shipper is ultimately responsible for provision of the VGM under SOLAS, the Coast Guard sees "multiple acceptable methods" for weighing a container that adapt to the "dynamic and flexible" relationships among shippers, carriers, freight forwarders and terminals.
Commission chairman Mario Cordero said Thursday that the weight of export containers can and should be possible to determine using the Coast Guard standard, and questioned why any (unnamed) carriers would have an interest in setting a conflicting policy.
"There is a course to SOLAS VGM compliance provided by the Coast Guard that is not only not burdensome, it requires no additional action at all. Why anyone would add procedures, requirements and costs to doing business is not only puzzling, it raises the specter of anticompetitive behavior necessitating Commission action," said Cordero.
"The Coast Guard has made it clear that the existing methods and procedures for tendering export cargo and declaring container weights are already in compliance with what was mandated via the International Maritime Organization’s amendment to SOLAS," said Cordero. "While I certainly applaud efforts to make the maritime transportation of cargo safer, I am increasingly struggling to fathom why the ocean carrier community has not fully embraced the equivalency declaration as a way to demonstrate flexibility and sensitivity to our U.S.-export shippers."
Different nations have taken widely differing approaches to VGM implementation. Hong Kong, the U.K. and Japan have set a maximum tolerance of five percent between the VGM weight of a container and its true weight; India specifies a plus-minus 200kg tolerance; Vietnam has not published a final rule but is said to be contemplating a requirement for at-terminal weighing, on top of a shipper-provided VGM. The U.S. specifies no particular tolerance value.
Sewol Salvage Pushed Back Due to Complications
File image courtesy LlamaAmber / twitter
By MarEx 2016-06-17 18:36:55
The raising of the sunken ferry Sewol has been pushed back for one month following damage to the bow of the wreck during a preliminary lifting operation.
KBS Radio reported that during the first lifting evolution, several underwater lifting wires cut into the bow of the wreck due to rough conditions at the surface (she was being lifted by a floating crane, which was subject to wave action). "The operations will resume around June 24 when the currents slow," said the Maritime Ministry in a statement.
"We are changing our plan to deter further damage," said Kim Hyun-tae, a senior official, speaking at a press briefing. He described the salvage as a "work against nature, as it is being staged in an area known for its strong currents."
The wreck is to be lifted whole in order to maximize chances of recovering the remains of nine individuals still missing in the 2014 disaster. The tragedy prompted widespread public outcry, and the families of the victims are still pressing for action – including first and foremost the recovery of the vessel intact. The attempted whole-ship recovery in over 120 feet of turbulent water may be unprecedented, said a naval architect involved with the salvage, who gave the operation an 80 percent chance of success. Total cost is expected to exceed $70 million.
Salvors will now revise their approach, which already entails several moves to place support members underneath the vessel to take its weight as it is lifted. Additional stiffeners will now be placed beneath the bow section in order to add strength.
While authorities said that the salvage would now proceed in August, observers suggested that foul seasonal weather could push the timeline back into September.
Sherpa Fire increases to 7,811 acres; 45 percent contained
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Firefighters work to chop dry brush that could fuel the already massive Sherpa Fire in northern Santa Barbara County on Friday, June 17, 2016. (KABC)
By ABC7.com staff
Saturday, June 18, 2016 09:48PM
GAVIOTA, Calif. (KABC) -- A wind-driven wildfire in Santa Barbara County, dubbed the Sherpa Fire, has charred more than 7,811 acres as of Saturday evening and is 45 percent contained.
Heavy smoke and ash caused the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue air quality warnings for Los Angeles and Orange counties Friday. The district also advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in areas that could be impacted by smoke.
The National Weather Service has also issued a red-flag warning for mountain areas of Santa Barbara County on Sunday through Tuesday, meaning the humidity, heat and winds will make fire even more susceptible to spreading in that area.
Rounds of gusty sundowner winds have made the firefight tougher for the more than 1,200 firefighters working on the ground and in the air to quell the flames. The steep and rugged terrain of the hillsides has also made it difficult.
The blaze rages on amidst a heat wave in Southern California, which could make firefighting conditions even worse as temperatures reach the high 90s during the weekend.
The Sherpa Fire broke out Wednesday afternoon, quickly spreading from 50 acres to more than 1,100 by Thursday morning. It has prompted mandatory evacuations of roughly 400 homes and ranches in the area, and authorities said 270 structures are threatened.
Twice on Thursday the fire also caused the closure of the 101 Freeway in both directions along the Gaviota coast between the cities of Buellton and Goleta. It was reopened early Friday morning and authorities have not attempted to close it down again, but that could change depending on the conditions.
There are 1,230 firefighters battling the blaze from multiple agencies as well as 83 engines, 33 hand crews, nine dozers and four water tenders, according to officials.
The American Red Cross has set up two shelters for evacuees at Santa Ynez Union High School at 2975 E. Highway 246; Wake Center at 300 N. Turnpike Rd.; and Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Ave.
Campers displaced by the Sherpa Fire were encouraged to find shelter at Cachuma Lake, which is located off Highway 54 in Santa Ynez. For reservation information, visit http://www.countyofsb.org/parks/reserveinfo.sbc.
Residents who need assistance with animals should call (805) 681-4332. Shelter for large animals is available at Earl Warren Showgrounds at 3400 Calle Real.
Fire officials currently estimate that full containment won't be reached until midnight on June 23, according to the Incident Information System.
As temperatures hit dangerous levels this weekend, Southern Californians are being advised to take special precautions to keep themselves and their pets cool. (KABC)
By Amy Powell
Saturday, June 18, 2016 06:50PM
GRIFFITH PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As temperatures hit dangerous levels this weekend, Southern Californians are being advised to take special precautions to keep themselves and their pets cool.
Some areas of the valleys, Inland Empire and deserts could see temperatures of 105 on Sunday and up to 110 degrees on Monday.
People who are outside are advised to seek out shady spots, bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen.
At Griffith Park on Saturday, people were enjoying the outdoors, but staying in the shade, protected by trees or tents, as well as hats and visors.
Don't forget that pets are quite vulnerable as well. The SPCA is reminding pet owners to not leave their dogs and other animals in cars, which can quickly become death traps.
For those without air-conditioning, a list of cooling centers is available here.
CeFaan Kim has more from Columbus Circle.
Eyewitness News
Saturday, June 18, 2016 11:16PM
UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Noah Goldstein had just graduated from Fordham University two weeks ago. The school's campus is just two blocks where he was struck and killed, and left in the street.
The Fordham Theater program honored Goldstein Saturday night by posting his picture as the cover photo on its Facebook page. The 21-year-old alumnus of the theatre program at Fordham College at Lincoln Center was the victim of a hit and run near Columbus Circle around 3:15 Saturday morning.
A friend told Eyewitness News that Goldstein had just left an off-campus party moments before he lost his life.
Fordham officials called it a 'heartbreaking loss', and released a statement saying,
"It's a terrible blow to lose someone so young and full of promise, and we cannot imagine the pain of Noah's family and loved ones."
Goldstein was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are working on getting a description of the vehicle.
Anyone with information is being asked to call police.
The deaths/injuries to pedestrians are on the rise. Be careful out there. Do not expect that a vehicle operator will obey all traffic rules; so, your life is always in danger everytime you walk on the streets. Be extra vigilant.