Harbor Safety Committee Minutes

WEDNESDAY, 04 FEBRUARY, 2004

The Ninety Seventh Meeting of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee was convened in the main auditorium of the Port of Long Beach Administration Building. Chairman Strong called the Meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. The Executive Secretary determined that there was a quorum present, with the following representatives present:

PORT OF LONG BEACH		PORT OF LOS ANGELES	LONG BEACH PILOT ORGANIZATION
Ms. Yvonne Allen		CAPT Jim Morgan (POLAPS)	CAPT John Strong (JPS)
(Designated)
TANKER OPERATORS		LOS ANGELES PILOT ORGANIZATION	MOORING MASTERS
CAPT Norman George (MTL)		CAPT Mike Rubino	(ABSENT)

TUG & BARGE OPERATORS		DRY CARGO CARRIERS	FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS
CAPT Jim Penny (Crowley)		Mr. Dave Pritzos (K-Line)	Mr. Tom Dessel

ORGANIZED LABOR		CALIF. COASTAL COMM.	CALIF STATE LANDS COMM.
Mr. John Cox (SIU)		Ms. Ellen Faurot-Daniels	Mr. Gary Gregory


U.S. COAST GUARD		ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS	FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
CAPT Peter Neffenger (COTP)		Mr. Gary Brown (Orange County CoastKeeper)	Ms. Tracy Egoscue (Santa Monica BayKeeper)

OFFICE OF SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE (OSPR)		PASSENGER FERRY OPERATORS	U.S.ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Mr. James Rolin, Field Rep.		(ABSENT)	(ABSENT)

	EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
	CAPT Manny Aschemeyer (MX-VTS) ALTERNATES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND OTHER PARTIES (SEE ATTACHED LIST)

Chairman Strong opened the meeting by welcoming everyone in attendance, thanking them for their interest and participation in the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee. He expressed the Committee’s appreciation and thanks to the Port of Los Angeles for making their facilities available for this gathering and for providing the continental breakfast enjoyed by all.

The Chairman then advised the audience that they would be offered the opportunity to speak before this panel, after Item IV under “New Business” was announced. He also encouraged all present to be sure to “sign-up” on the attendance sheet being circulated amongst the audience. The Chairman explained that certain members of the LA/LB HSC panel were “non-voting” and therefore would not be participating in any “show of hands” vote called to determine a decision on any particular agenda or action item.

The Chairman then called on Jim Rolin (OSPR) to “swear in” the newly appointed Representatives and their Alternates to the LA/LB HSC – Ms. Robin Blanchfield, representing the California Coastal Commission, with Ms Ellen Faurot-Daniels stepping down as Representative to become her Alternate; Mr. Marshall Novak, Alternate for Mr. John Cox, representing Organized Labor; Capt. James Bobbitt and his Alternate, Capt. Todd Barr, representing Marine Oil Terminal Operators; Ms. Tracy Egoscue and her Alternate, Mr. Tom Ford, representing Non-Profit Environmental Organizations for Santa Monica Bay. All were given a hearty round of applause after the “swearing in” ceremony.

ITEM I -- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Strong called for approval of the minutes of the 96th Meeting. It was moved, seconded and approved to accept the Minutes of the 96th Meeting, as presented. Motion carried unanimously by a show of hands from voting members present.

ITEM II -- OLD BUSINESS:

(A) Update On Marine Exchange Vessel Traffic Center:

(1) CAPT Manny Aschemeyer, Executive Director, MX-SoCal, reported that the MX-VTS had finalized the installation and testing of the new, state-of-the-art, “A.I.S.” equipment and systems (Automated Identification System), allowing for the tracking of vessels (independent of radar) via A.I.S. transponders aboard ship. Under normal conditions, vessels can be tracked out to 40 miles with A.I.S. However, the MX-VTS has seen vessels out as far as 150 miles occasionally. Additionally, A.I.S. provides the name of the vessel, its precise location (latitude and longitude), and its course and speed. In the future, additional information and data can be transmitted to the MX-VTS, including crew & passenger lists, cargo manifest data, hazardous cargo lists, etc. The MX-VTS is currently “seeing” about half the commercial vessels in port now via A.I.S. After December 31, 2004, all deep-sea vessels (over 300 G/T) will be required to have the A.I.S. equipment aboard, and will therefore be visible by the MX-VTS.

(2) CAPT Dick McKenna, Deputy Executive Director, MX-SoCal, reported that there were five (5) reportable “incidents” in January – 4 of which were “mechanical/propulsion problems”; and 1 was a drifting radar reflector that had apparently fallen off a vessel. The MX-VTS recorded a total of 39 incidents for 2003, 21 of which were “mechanical/propulsion problems”, 5 were “med-evac”, and 5 were deemed to be “close quarters” incidents. The balance fell into other categories. That compares with 36 incidents recorded in 2002, and 40 for 2001.

(3) CAPT McKenna also reiterated that the Marine Exchange was offering its “Target Mapping Program” via the Marine Exchange/PortSource web site (www.mxsocal.org). “Target Mapping” provides a real-time picture of the VTS “AOR” (Area of Responsibility, which extends 25 nautical miles to seaward from Point Fermin), complete with all “targeted vessels” shown, whether tracked by radar, transponders, or AIS. This program is available to only those in need of such information for port operations, navigation safety or port security, including: tug companies, line handlers, terminal operators, government agencies, law enforcement, and the like.

(4) CAPT McKenna reported on a very successful “Dispatcher VTS Training Course” held at the MX-VTS recently. While this course has, in the past, been aimed primarily at the new pilot dispatchers and new VTS watch personnel, the group this year included new dispatchers from tug companies, USCG staff from MSO, and two pilots-in-training. This training provides for enhanced communication, cooperation, and understanding amongst the various and divergent “port operations entities” at LA/LB Harbor -- thereby making ship transits safer, more secure, and most efficient from every aspect. The MX-VTS will endeavor to conduct more of these types of “all inclusive training” to the maritime community in the future.

(5) CAPT Aschemeyer announced that he and CAPT Peter Neffenger were traveling to Hong Kong next week to make a presentation at the “VTS 2004 International Symposium”. The topic of their “white paper” is: “Partnership = Success – VTS for Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor”. Their presentation will deal with the unique aspects of running a VTS through a government-private sector “partnership” – and demonstrating the cost-savings, efficiency, and “value added services” that result.

(B) Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

In addition to those incidents reported in the USCG’s SCbriefing report (Please see attached report – HSC “Local CG Briefing” dated 02-04-04), CAPT Neffenger also called attention to the following items:

(1) Pursuant to the MTSA, all maritime facilities and vessels were required to submit their “Security Plans” to the USCG on or before December 31, 2003. CAPT Neffenger was pleased to announce that, for LA/LB Harbor, 100% of all maritime facilities had submitted their Security Plans on time. And 96% of all vessels had done like wise. That compares to only 90% compliance nation-wide. The submitted Security Plans will be reviewed by the USCG HdQtrs in DC, and then sent out to the local USCG commands for verification and implementation. Over the next five months or so, “approval letters” will be sent out to all those who submitted Security Plans. All Security Plans must be implemented by July 1, 2004, and complied with thereafter. The local USCG command will be working with the maritime community on that process.

(2) “Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC)” – As reported by CAPT Neffenger at the previous meeting, pursuant to provisions in the MTSA, he is responsible for forming an “Area Maritime Security Committee” (AMSC) for this region. However, unlike other regions of the country, he noted that the LA/LB Harbor community has already addressed port and maritime security in a most profound and productive way, operating through no less than three (3) port security panels – the “Safety & Security” committee of the Southern California MTS Advisory Council (made up of MTS and port stakeholders); the “Port Security Committee” (made up mostly by law enforcement agencies); and “The Mayor’s Port Security Advisory Council” (made up of elected and appointed officials, port authority staff, organized labor, and senior management from the waterfront business community). Hence, rather than “re-invent the wheel”, CAPT Neffenger has given careful thought to the process of forming the AMSC for LA/LB Harbor, making an attempt to include the leadership from the three current panels mentioned earlier, and allowing the “grass-roots” efforts to continue as they have for addressing and improving port and maritime security for the region. To that end, CAPT Neffenger has formed an “AMSC Work Group” (or steering committee) – with representation from the three existing security committees -- to review the process for forming the AMSC at LA/LB Harbor, and to determine how best to combine and/or merge the activities and efforts to address and enhance maritime and port security for the future. That “Work Group” has met several times over the past five or six weeks, and has produced a “draft charter” for the new AMSC for LA/LB Harbor. CAPT Neffenger indicated that he liked the draft charter, and found it to be “excellent”. It has his approval. More importantly, he will also seek approval from the maritime community for this draft charter for AMSC at the upcoming “town hall” meeting -- which has been organized by the Safety & Security of SOCAL-MTSAC for this coming Friday, 02-06-04, at the POLA Admin. Bldg., beginning at 0900 hours. CAPT Neffenger encouraged all interested parties to attend that important session.

(3) There will be a “SONS” (Spill of National Significance) exercise conducted by the USCG and participating “first responders” in April (19 – 23), featuring a simulated explosion aboard a tank vessel outside LA/LB Harbor, resulting in a 1 million gallon release of oil into the water. 12 hours into that simulated incident, there will be a simulated barge collision in San Diego Bay, resulting in a significant oil spill, and which will be addressed by both U.S. and Mexican government agencies, as well as OSRO’s on both side of the border.

(4) There will be a NORTHCOM DOD drill in August, called “Determined Promise” (DP-04), which will run for five days, and involve over 1800 participating organizations, agencies, and entities. There will be a simulated terrorist attack (or attacks), which will result in various incidents that demand immediate response and reaction. As more information comes in concerning this drill, the USCG will keep the LA/LB HSC advised accordingly.

(5) A “Joint Operations Center” was established at the USCG’s MSO during the “MarSec Level 2” period (“Level Orange” on the National Scale), which worked out very well. All local, state and federal law enforcement agencies came together there, along with the various “first responder agencies” – which put all the jurisdictions and resources “under one roof” in the event there was a terrorist incident at LA/LB Harbor.

(6) Governor Schwarzenegger has expressed keen interest in “port security”. The USCG has met with the new California Office of Homeland Security and its new director, to explore ways to maintain good lines of communication and ongoing collaboration.

(7) The USCG Commandant, ADM Tom Collins, will be visiting the local MSO command tomorrow, and discuss “port security” issues and procedures at America’s biggest and busiest intermodal cargo seaport with his USCG staff here. This gives a key indication that our LA/LB Harbor has the highest levels of interest and concern within the USCG.

(1) Mr. Jim Rolin reported that there is a “clean-up bill” forthcoming in Sacramento to make some timely and necessary adjustments to the original language in the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990, which deals with HSC’s in California.

(2) Mr. Carlton Moore, Acting OSPR Administrator, will attend the LA/LB HSC meeting in April. He will give us all an update on various issues and items at that time.

(3) The draft regulations for tug escorts for tankers at LA/LB Harbor will be presented later at the meeting today. These proposed regs take into effect the “tug manning and fatigue” study completed last year by the local USCG (and also the AWO-USCG joint report on tug manning and fatigue issues). Joy Lavin-Jones (legislative analyst for OSPR) has come down from Sacramento to address any and all questions that may arise. The Administrator is seeking approval of the draft language before the proposed regulations go out for “public comment”. Mr. Rolin indicated that he had already received on “protest letter” from Sause Bros. Towing Co, regarding the language in the draft regulations, as presented. Copies of the proposed regs, and the protest letter, were distributed to the panel.

(4) Also, Mr. Rob Hughes (public affairs officer for OSPR) is here today to work with S/C # 2 regarding the production of safety pamphlets for the recreational boating community.

(5) The National HSC Conference will be held in Fort Lauderdale later this month, with CAPT John Strong and CAPT Manny Aschemeyer slated to attend as representing the LA/LB HSC. Mr. Rolin indicated that OSPR was attempting to get travel funding for the HSC Chairs – but this has not yet been approved.

(D) Update on Local OSPR Activities:

(1) Mr. James Rolin announced that the Port of Long Beach had recently designated Ms. Yvonne Allen, Chief Wharfinger, to be their Representative to the LA/LB HSC. Dr. Tom Johnson will remain as the POLB’s “Alternate”. Both will be “sworn in” at the next meeting. However, Mr. Rolin had invited Ms. Allen to join the group today as the “designated POLB Representative”, and all gave her a warm welcome.

(2) Mr. Rolin has received an application from someone who wants to be the “alternate” for the Recreational Boater’s seat on the LA/LB HSC. Hopefully, that will be finalized in time for swearing in that person at the next meeting.

(3) As mentioned earlier during the swearing in ceremony, Ms. Ellen Faurot-Daniels will be stepping down as the “representative” for the California Coastal Commission on the LA/LB HSC, and will assume the “alternate” position instead. Ms. Robin Blanchfield will assume the primary seat as of today. Mr. Rolin expressed his thanks to Ellen for her outstanding service and stated that she would, indeed, be missed. He also expressed his confidence that Robin would do an outstanding job in representing the CCC for the future.

(E) Update on California State Lands Commission Activities:

Mr. Gary Gregory reported on the following –

(1) The number of tanker “oil transfer operations” in California waters have dropped off slightly; but the number of oil barge transfers is up to 6,000 ( of which CSLC monitored about 2,800).

(2) The new ballast water regulations went into effect this month (including increasing fees from $200 per ship call to $500 per ship call). Ballast water report forms are now required at ALL California ports, and not just the first port call.

(3) AB 2083 (“The Oil Transfer and Transportation Emissions and Risk Production Act”) requires “responsible parties” (or owners) of oil who are moving their cargoes between San Francisco Bay and LA/LB Harbor (or any port or ports in between) to report on that activity, along with the emissions from the vessels used to transport those petroleum products. CSLC put together a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to come up with a proper and appropriate form for making these reports as required by AB 2083. A form was established and approved, and although it went through a “public comment period” (as a new regulation), it had been determined that this form could be implemented not through the regulatory process (which is on “hold” as described earlier), but rather as an “administrative procedure” through TAG and CSLC approvals. Hence, this new form has been put into use as of this time.

(4) The CSLC will conduct its annual “Prevention First” Symposium on September 14-15, to be held at the Westin Hotel on Long Beach.

(F) Update on U. S. Army Corps of Engineers:

(N O N E)

ITEM III -- NEW BUSINESS:

(A) Sub Committee Reports:

(1) S/C # 1 -- Capt. John Strong, Chair: Meeting minutes covering the previous session of this panel (in December) were distributed and discussed. Items addressed: Bunker Barges & Cargo Operations A/S; L.A. Harbor dredging and construction projects; HSP Review. The “Bunker Barge Safety Policy” that was put out recently by the PMA/ILWU Area Accident Prevention Committee is excellent, and will be given wide e-mail distribution by the Executive Secretary. Chairman Strong commended Jeff Browning for his leadership and foresight in moving this important issues through the HSC and into a joint “work group” with the PMA and ILWU that resulted in these fine “standards of care” and handouts. Next meeting of this panel will begin this afternoon at 1330 at the Marine Exchange in San Pedro.

(2) S/C # 2 – CAPT Bent Christiansen, Chair: This panel has been inactive; they will meet again this afternoon at the Marine Exchange, right after the meeting of S/C # 1 is completed. Focus is still on a pamphlet directed toward recreational boaters operating in and around the harbor. Work on this project is in the final stages. Rob Hughes, OSPR’s Public Affairs guy in Sacramento, is here today to lend his support and help for publishing the pamphlets soon.

(B) Other New Business

(1) Proposed (Revised) Tug Escort Regulations for LA/LB Harbor -- Jim Rolin began the discussion on this topic by asking if all the committee members had received and read their copy of the “draft regs” that has been distributed. After ascertaining that copies had been made available to all HSC members & alternates, he gave a brief overview (and history) on the development of these new proposed regulations. Bottom line was that the HSC was not able to come to a consensus – particularly regarding the manning issues, with management taking one course, and labor another – and therefore passed two “parallel inputs” up to the OSPR Administrator for his final review and action. Additionally, the Administrator had received the results of the USCG’s “ride-along program” (which studied the possible effects of crew fatigue and operational safety -- based on various crew manning and work rules in force at the various tug companies); and also the Joint USCG-AWO Report on “Pacific Region Crew Alertness Quality”. So – from all those inputs, the Administrator drew up the “proposed regs” that are before the HSC today for review and approval/disapproval. After some discussion and deliberation amongst the panel, it was M/S/A that this matter should be sent back to a S/C # 1 for additional review, discussion, and consensus. Additionally, the Chairman expressed his hope that the S/C could come to a unanimous decision for presenting their recommendations on the proposed tug escort regs to the HSC at the April Meeting.

(2) Chairman Strong reported that he had received a phone call from former HSC member Terry Tamminen, who was recently appointed by the new Governor to serve as Secretary of the state’s “Environmental Protection Agency”. Mr. Tamminen has requested that the LA/LB HSC take on the task of reviewing the proposed LNG terminal for POLB, and come up with a set of “standards of care” that can be incorporated into the LA/LB Harbor Safety Plan – but also that can be used as a “template” for producing uniform “standards of care” for other possible LNG terminals that may be built at other California ports. Gary Gregory pointed out that the CSLC would, in fact, be the regulators for the LNG terminals and “facilities” that are being proposed and planned, including monitoring the transfer operations for moving the LNG from ship to shore. After some additional discussion, it was M/S/A to create a new, independent, “LNG Work Group” for the purpose of studying the proposed movement and operations of LNG ships at POLB, and to produce “standards of care” for those vessels to observe while moving in/out of port, and while at berth for their cargo operations. Chairman Strong appointed Gary Brown to serve as Chair of this new “Work Group”. A meeting of this panel will be organized soon. Meantime, Capt. Aschemeyer suggested that all interested parties contact Gary Brown regarding their desire or intent to serve on this new important panel. In addition to the regular members and alternates on the HSC, members of the public can serve on this panel as well.

(3) Capt. Aschemeyer reported that he had received a call from Capt. Jerry Aspland, who indicated that he was working as a consultant to a group that was putting together the plans for a new oil terminal at Pier 400 in POLA. Capt. Aspland inquired about the possibility of making a presentation to the LA/LB HSC at their April meeting.

(4) Chairman Strong mentioned that there would be a vote due from each active HSC from around the country on picking the “HSC of the Year” at the annual National HSC Conference in Florida later this month. There are seven (7) nominees for the honor this year, including our sister HSC in San Francisco. Capt. Strong will have the Executive Secretary distribute (via e-mail) the announcement and ballot measure for review by the members and alternates of the LA/LB HSC. Please let Capt. Strong know your feelings and thoughts on whom we should vote for, as he is the designated “voting party” for our HSC. And we need your feedback ASAP – deadline for voting is February 16th.

(5) Chairman Strong mentioned the upcoming transfer of LCDR Rob Collar, USCG, who has been very active with this HSC for many years now. He saluted and thanked CDR Collar for his dedication to harbor safety matters in general, and particularly for his participation and help with the LA/LB HSC. Others on the LA/LB HSC spoke up with their praise and appreciation for CDR Collar. Indeed, he will be missed! It was M/S/A to produce an appropriate citation to be presented by the LA/LB HSC to CDR Collar before he departs to his new assignment to Huntington WV. Chairman Strong instructed the Executive Secretary to prepare the citation accordingly. Capt. Neffenger indicated that CDR Collar’s last day would be February 27th. Chairman Strong asked Capt Neffenger to please keep the HSC advised on any “farewell party or gathering” that might be conducted for CDR Collar before he leaves. If possible we would like to make the presentation of our citation to CDR Collar at his farewell party. Capt. Neffenger promised to keep us informed in this matter….

ITEM IV -- QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:

Mr. Bob Poole, representing the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), made a brief presentation on the offshore oil platforms that are located in our HSC’s “Area of Responsibility”. He distributed a map showing the precise locations of each platform. The platforms have been declared to be “critical infrastructure” as part of the new Department of Homeland Security policy adopted after 9-11-01. The platforms located along the U.S. West Coast fall under the “voluntary compliance” requirements. Be that as it may, the operating companies have taken their “homeland security role” very seriously, and virtually ALL of the platforms are complying with DHS standards and procedures. Moreover, the operators of those platforms have been proactive in engaging the USCG and other agencies for enhancing their awareness and reactions to possible terrorists threats, as well as focusing on “risk assessments” for the various platforms. Communications to/from the platforms – good, continuous, and proactive – are also being looked at carefully. Efforts are underway to get the proper descriptions on the oil platforms listed in the Coast Pilot and on charts; and to make contact with the recreational boat community regarding the “safety zones” that must be observed around each platform. Contacts with the USCG Auxiliary and Power Squadron groups have been pursued as well to further enhance the vital communications and understanding between the platforms and the mariners “out there”. Capt. Neffenger thanked Mr. Poole for his input today, and offered to help him in his quest to “get the word out” to various boating interests – including the commercial and sport fishing interest. Chairman Strong thanked Mr. Poole for his participation here today, and encouraged him to attend future meetings of the LA/LB HSC for his ongoing edification.

ITEM V -- MEETING SCHEDULE:

The next regular meeting for the LA/LB HSC will be held on the 7th of April, 2004, at the Port of Long Beach Administration Building, in the 6th floor auditorium, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (breakfast reception). Announcements and materials will be mailed out to all interested parties in mid-March.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 11:19 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Capt. Manny Aschemeyer, Executive Secretary

HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE “LOCAL CG” BRIEFING

1 December 2003 through 31 January 2004

NOTABLE VESSEL INCIDENTS

23JAN03: Loss of Propulsion. Inbound M/V ANL PACIFIC appeared to have no propulsion, vessel lost air start for a few minutes then regained and was fully operational. USCG marine inspector boarded vessel and deteremined incident occurred due to a broken air pipe. Pipe was repaired.

14JAN03: Rogue Vessel. M/Y LARA was issued a COTP order to remain outside US territorial waters pending submission of proper advance notification of arrival. Subsequently, vessel submitted ANOA. A sea-marshal boarding was conducted.

10JAN03: MARSEC Level was lowered to MARSEC Level 1.

ALLISIONS/COLLISIONS/GROUNDINGS:

30DEC03: Grounding. M/V MAHI MAHI conducted evasive maneuvers to avoid a recreational sailing vessel in it’s path. No response from unknown S/V after attempted hail and sound signals. Course change caused M/V MAHI MAHI to allide with the number one buoy and possibly touch ground near Reservation Point. Unable to identify P/C, no structural damage to M/V MAHI MAHI.

POLLUTION

18JAN03: P/C sunk, no pollution, vessel towed to local drydock facility.

VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST

Dredging LA Main Channel: There are four elements of this project underway. The construction of the Pier 300 expansion, construction of the South West Slip landfill, construction of the Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Extension and LA Main Channel dredging. The HR MORRIS has completed it's dredge element and has departed the area until this fall. The DREDGE FLORIDA has also completed it's dredge element. The DREDGE FLORIDA is moored at LA 200 G&H and has removed all of it's pipeline. The FLORIDA will return to this project in June 04. The LA Deepening Contractors and Great Lakes Dredge Company send out daily notices to both Pilot Stations and the U.S. Coast Guard with chartlets showing the location of the dredges and equipment each day. Rock placement and dike construction is still ongoing at Pier 300 and Southwest Slip.

Pier 400 Phase II: This project is underway it involves the building of the piers on A and B faces (northwest corner). The Terminal Island LB 6 (LLNR 3142) has been temporarily removed for most of this phase. The pile driving will continue until May 2004.

Long Beach Pier T Demolition: Manson Construction and Connolly Pacific are removing Piers 1,2 and 3 in the Long Beach West Basin off of Pier T. This operation will be completed by October 2004.

Navy Mole : Connolly Pacific has begun to place containment dikes at the south west bend of the Navy Mole for future widening project. This is to be completed by April 2004.

Pier G Construction: Traylor Pacific has just completed the test pile program on the south face. It is unknown by this office when the next phase will start.

LA Berth 100: The four cranes will stay. The operation date for the terminal is still unknown.

Long Beach Pier S: Construction of new piers on the north side of Pier S that was due to start in December of this year, has been shifted to the spring of 2004. The Environmental Impact Report has been completed.

LA Maritime Museum: A proposal has been submitted for a new pier at the Maritime Museum for the brigantine ships. The new pier face will not extend past the existing pier. It is unknown by this office when this project is to start. (soon)