House Oversight and Reform Chairman Elijah Cummings, one of the most influential Democrats in Congress and a key figure in supporting the maritime industry and United States Coast Guard, died on Thursday at age 68. The cause of death was “complications concerning longstanding health challenges,” his office said in a statement. Cummings had been absent recently from Congress … [Read more...]
Coast Guard Commandant testifies before House Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations
WASHINGTON — U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp testified before the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations here, Thursday, about the Coast Guard's budget for fiscal year 2012. Adm. Papp spoke about the service's fiscal year 2012 budget request and provided committee members a snapshot of recent Coast Guard operations including vessel traffic … [Read more...]
Jones Act – Write Your Congressmen Today
National attention has recently been given to the Jones Act. Media has focused attention on the protection of the US Flag, on which gCaptain is currently writing an article. But while the media focuses on US Flagged vessels, Congress' focus is on the inequities in damages available to the families of mariners killed at sea. The rapidly changes to the law pertains directly to … [Read more...]
Factors Accounting For Piracy – The RAND Corporation Weighs In On Piracy In Somalia
Last week the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held hearings on the state of International Piracy On The High Seas. Along with the usual speach with Q&A session (Video Link) was excellent written testimony from well known figures in maritime security including Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner USCG, Giles Noakes BIMCO and Peter Swift, INTERTANKO. … [Read more...]
San francisco Oil Spill Hearings – A Response to Admiral Bone, USCG
Yesterday my comments were published on the front page of The San Francisco Chronicle in an article titled; "Hearing today at Presidio - tough queries for spill captain." Prior to being asked to comment the Chronicle's lead maritime reporter contacted our friend Captain Kelly Sweeny who discussed industry wide problems with marine technology. The article states; Sweeney … [Read more...]