(Local Coast Guard Briefing follows)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2003

The Ninety Second Meeting of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee was convened in the main auditorium of the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building. Chairman called the Meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. The Executive Secretary determined that there was a quorum present, as listed below -

FOR THE PORT OF LONG BEACH		FOR THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES	FOR THE LONG BEACH PILOTS
Ms. Marva Stewart		Capt. Jim Morgan	Capt. John Strong (JPS)
FOR THE TANKER OPERATORS		FOR THE LOS ANGELES PILOTS	FOR THE MOORING MASTERS
Capt. Norman George (MTL)		Capt. Mike Rubino	Capt. Harvey Portz (Chevron Texaco)
FOR TUG & BARGE OPERATORS		FOR THE DRY CARGO CARRIERS	FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS
Mr. Jeff Browning (Sause Bros.)		Mr. Phillip Wright (Zim)	(ABSENT)
FOR ORGANIZED LABOR		FOR THE CALIF. COASTAL COMM.	FOR THE U.S. NAVY
Mr. Stefan Mueller – Dombois (IBU)		Ms. Ellen Faurot-Daniels	(VACANT)
FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD		FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS	FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
Cdr. Tom Harrison		Mr. Garry Brown	Mr. Brian Machovina
MSO/Group, LA/LB		(Orange County CoastKeeper)	(Calif. CoastKeeper Alliance)
FOR THE CDF&G/OSPR		FOR PASSENGER FERRY OPERATORS	FOR THE USACOE
Mr. Carlton Moore Mr. James Rolin, Field Rep.		Capt. Ray Lyman Catalina Express	Mr. Jim Fields
		EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
		Capt. R.B. McKenna (MX)
	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.

ITEM I -- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Strong called for approval of the minutes of the 91st meeting. Mr. Stefan Mueller Dombois asked for a correction to read as follows: Under item IV (Questions Comments from The Public) regarding ILWU Local # 68’s request for consideration for the “at large seat” that the record reflect that a formal application was submitted October 2001. Mr. Al Storm (OSPR) asked that the minutes be corrected as follows: Under Item 2 (C), sub paragraph 1 (a) the end of the sentence be changed to read “and from the new non tank vessel fee” vice “”and from renewal; fees for COFRs on non tank vessels” Capt. Lyman moved, seconded by Mr. Wright, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 91st 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:

Capt. Dick McKenna, Deputy Executive Director, MX-LA/LB Harbor, called attention to a new feature for the PortSource website called “Target Mapping”. It will allow password authorized participants to view all covered vessel traffic on approach to LA/LB. The main purpose is to enhance coordination with Port operations entities such as tugs and line handlers, Coast Guard and Port Police. The targets are color coded according to the technology that is tracking the target. Target Mapping should prove to be another useful asset to port operations. As another matter, there were six reportable “incidents” since the last HSC meeting, one propulsion problem, four in the “other” category, including three medical emergencies, one rules violation, and one close quarters incident involving an overtaking situation approaching the Port of Long Beach..

(B) Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

Presented by Commander Tom Harrison, USCG – Operations Officer - MSO/Group LA/LB.
(Please see attached report – HSC “Local CG” Briefing dated 4/4/01)
In addition to those incidents cited above, he also called attention in the Local CG briefing to the loss of several containers overboard, and a coast Guard cutter grounding, both in port incidents.

Update on OSPR Activities in Sacramento:

(1) Mr. Al Storm requested that the minutes reflect the biennial public hearing was conducted this morning. There were no oral or written comments. He went on to explain the reason he requested changes in the minutes for the 91st meeting. He wanted to clarify that there were no rate increases in non tank vessel fees for COFRs, as much as there was an addition of a “fair share” levee for non-tank vessels to support OSPR’s non-tank vessel program.

(D) Update on Local OSPR Activities:

Mr. James Rolin expressed his appreciation to representatives of Chevron Texaco for the opportunity to witness their offshore oil lightering operation for the period 31 March – 1 April. The evolution went well all around.
There are three applications for the Labor Representative on the Committee. Due to the recent arrival of Mr. Moore as administrator, it was requested of Mr. Mueller-Dombois to remain on the Committee for a little longer while the applicants were reviewed. As a matter of interest, there are two applications for terminal operators and three from ILWU Local 68 Pilot’s Union for the at large position. Some consideration might also be appropriate for a security representative on the Committee in light of present circumstances. Mr. Moore will further address this issue shortly.
Finally, annual discussions with the Marine Exchange of Southern California for the Committees secretarial services are underway.

(E) Update on California state Lands Activities:

Mr. Gary Gregory reported that permanent terminal security regulations went into effect February 24th. State Lands will be working closely with the industry to ensure the regulations are followed. The regulations closely parallel U.S. Coast Guard tiered security levels and appear to be a pretty good match. There will be public workshops in the near future to discuss these issues.
The Ballast Water Reauthorization bill is presently being worked on in Sacramento by industry and legislative representatives. It will be coming to committee later this month. Call State Lands for the latest information.
(3) On a sad note, Mr. Larry Hope, a long standing contributor to the Harbor Safety Committee and a recently retired member of the State Lands Committee passed away suddenly on the previous Sunday. Funeral service information was provided.

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

Mr. Jim Fields indicated that the Main Channel Dredging project is ongoing. Rock work continues at Pier 400. Clamshell work will begin in the LA Main Channel near pier 100 next week. Hydraulic dredging commences the first week in May.

ITEM III -- NEW BUSINESS:

Sub Committee Reports:

S/C # 1 -- Capt. John Strong, Chair: Meeting minutes covering two previous sessions of this panel were discussed. Harbor Safety Plan standards of care were re-written for reduced visibility. Dialogue has been on going for about five months. The new version presents a cleaner approach and has been signed off on by all participants. Mr. Browning moved, seconded by Mr. Wright to accept the revised Reduced Visibility Standards of Care. Motion carried unanimously by a show of hands from those members present. The new guidelines will receive its own chapter during the annual Harbor Safety Plan review (imminent). The other topic of discussion for S/C # 1 was the tug manning issue. A meeting of the tug work group was held to discuss the findings of the Captain of the Port. From that meeting a letter has been drafted to forward to the OSPR Administrator, along with the findings of the Coast Guard’s ride along program. The Community is very appreciative of the effort that the Coast Guard went to in light of the other priorities they have been charged with since 9/11. The next meeting of S/C # 1 will be this afternoon at 1300 at the Marine Exchange. A “new business” topic to be discussed will be bunker barges alongside ships working cargo. Also a representative of the LA Main Channel deepening project will be available to provide updates and answer questions.

S/C # 2 – Capt. Bent Christiansen, Chair, met on March 12 to discuss a pamphlet directed toward recreational boaters operating in and around the harbor. Work is in the preliminary stages but is continuing.

Other New Business

- Carlton Moore, acting Administrator, OSPR made some comments, calling attention to the California Department of Boating and Waterways as an excellent source of funding for the boating pamphlets mentioned in S/C # 2. He went on to indicate that, whereas there is presently no search on for a new administrator, his guidance has been to “take a long view” regarding his duties. He expressed his sincere appreciation for all the efforts of the Harbor Safety Committee members for volunteering their time for this important work. His direction to his staff was to expect to spend more time in the community and to promote recognition for the efforts of the State’s Committee members. He pledged to review Committee membership criteria to ensure proper alignment and balance. Conceding that no one in Sacramento knows better than the Harbor Safety Committee what’s going on in the port, he indicated that Sacramento shouldn’t try to second-guess the Committee on “decisions about what’s going on in their own backyard”.
Mr. Moore anticipates sending a letter to the Committee wherein he would ask for the establishment of a temporary subcommittee to review membership to (a.) ensure compliance with the code for eligibility of membership and (b.) validate the five “at large” membership seat composition. This does not mean that any members would be removed, but that deliberations would merely position the Committee for where it wants to be in several year’s time. An additional suggestion would be to review the bylaws for flexibility, so that the Chairman might be able to deal with “no-show” members. He would be delighted if the Committee would consider membership for a security position, because the “Prevention” component of OSPR’s title should also encompass intentional acts of spillage in addition to acts of God and acts of negligence. Captain Morgan pointed out that he serves as the liaison to the MTS Security sub committee. He envisions an easy transition to that concept and will look forward to making it even more robust in the future.
Mr. Moore then took up the topic of sole source contracts. He indicated that the State was reviewing its posture with regard to the award of such contracts, and that there may be a need to go out to bid for Secretariat services presently provided by Marine Exchanges. At present this is considered not likely, but the issue is not yet resolved. Finally, OSPR is considering the introduction of legislation to eliminate the need for biennial hearings on VTS, since any problems can be brought up at the Safety Committee. He once again thanked the committee members for their efforts on behalf of maritime safety. A subsequent dialogue revealed that the State is very interested in port security and that the interest will most likely manifest itself through both Harbor Safety Committees and the State Lands Commission.

- Chairman Strong suggested that in light of Mr. Moore’s intent to send the Committee a letter on the topic, formation of a personnel subcommittee be considered before discussing the “at large” position on today’s agenda. Captain Harvey Portz countered that under the existing legislation the Committee had the power, if deemed appropriate, to fill the vacant seat at this time. He called for a discussion on that point. Mr. Rolin indicated that there were 3 applicants from ILWU Local 68 (LA Pilots) and 2 Applicants from Marine Oil Terminals for the position, but it was the segment of the industry to be represented that was at issue today. The floor was opened to discussion. Captain Portz made the point that the success of the Committee has been largely successful because of its composition, that Labor representation already exists, but that Marine Oil Terminals, which should be an important component of spill prevention, did not. He therefore recommended that the Committee stand by its December 2002 decision to fill the seat with Marine Oil Terminals representation. Stefan Mueller-Dombois indicated whereas he had supported the December decision, that since there were issues brought to light and that the Administrator intended to call for a membership review, that the decision should be extended until that time. Although not a Committee member, Captain Dwyer, identifying himself as ILWU Local 68’s Safety Officer, was permitted to speak. Reading from prepared text (attached) he indicated that he felt that it was particularly important for the ILWU Local 68 to be represented considering the present safety and security concerns of the Port, and the fact that his organization handles most of the ships in Los Angeles Harbor. Mr. Jim Bobbitt spoke on behalf of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) representing 12 terminals and stated that he felt that Marine Oil Terminals should be represented. Mr. Mueller-Dombois inquired when the Labor seat would be filled and was told by OSPR representative Rolin that since the deadline has passed there was no specific date, but that this issue does not tie into that decision.
Captain Mike Rubino felt that he represented the Los Angeles Pilots Organization effectively and that all matters of safety were presented to his organization immediately and without prejudice. He said that he approached ILWU Local 68 to be the alternate representative but the offer was declined. Mr. Gregory stated that since the Committee was constituted by the Keane-Lempert Seastrand Act, an oil spill prevention act, he thought it strange that marine oil terminals were never represented. Chairman Strong felt that, considering the two seat representation presently afforded the Port of Los Angeles, this was not a harbor safety issue as much as it was the Port’s. Captain Morgan, speaking for the Port of Los Angeles, supported ILWU Local 68’s request to fill the vacant “at large” seat. Captain Portz moved to recommend to the OSPR Administrator that the remaining “at large” Committee seat be filled with a representative from the Marine Oil Terminal community. Seconded by Mr. Brown and carried by a vote of 10 for the motion, 3 against. Members voting against the motion were: the port of Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Pilot Organization and Organized Labor.

- Commander Harrison speaking for the Captain of the Port, asked the Committee to take up the operational/safety implications of cold ironing of ships doing business in the Ports. This will be discussed in Sub Committee # 1.

- Commander Wheaton of NOAA recommended that the revised reduced visibility standards of care also be included in the coast Pilot. A copy will be emailed to him.

- Mr. Philip Wright stated that the Steamship Association of Southern California has put forth a recommendation to amalgamate with the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA).

ITEM IV -- QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:

- Referring to the prepared statement, Captain Morgan stated that Captain Baumann’s statement that he was working with management to obtain the seat was erroneous, and that he (Baumann) had never once discussed the issue with him. The only time he has ever heard from Capt. Baumann on this issue was when Capt. Baumann airs his views in public.

- Captain Dwyer rebutted Captain Morgan stating that Capt. Morgan was not the sole representative of management for the Port of Los Angeles, and that the issue has been discussed with other “management” in the Port of Los Angeles.

- Mr. Moore highlighted the pilot issue as an example of something that could be changed by law if the Committee’s deliberations so determined.

- Mr. Scott Corby of AERA Energy, managing the offshore oil platforms and attendant pipelines south of the Port, gave a short presentation on their experiences with pipeline dents incurred over the last several years. His purpose was to feature the presence of these pipelines to the local maritime community and to make everyone aware of his company’s responsibility for them. Commander Wheaton stressed the need for the community at large to ensure that all obstructions, submerged objects etc. in the Harbor area were properly charted.

ITEM V -- MEETING SCHEDULE:

The next regular meeting for the LA/LB HSC will be held on the 4th of June, 2003, 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 late March. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 11:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Capt. R.B. McKenna
Executive Secretary, LA/LB HSC

Harbor Safety Committee  “Local CG” Briefing (4/02/03)

Notable Incidents

Minor Oil Spill at LA Berth 163: On 6 Feb, approx. 10 gallon of heating oil spilled into the water. Appropriate agencies responded on-scene and a cleanup was conducted.

Minor Hazardous Material Spill from M/V AMER ANNAPURNA at LA Berth 55: On 8 Feb, four (4) five-gallon cans of oil based paint fell overboard into the water. All of the paint cans were later recovered.

Minor Diesel Oil Spill from the F/V ST JOSEPH’ at LA Berth 73: On 11 Feb, a small quantity of diesel was inadvertently discharged in the water. The oil was being pumped from the automatic bilge pump of the vessel. The pump was secured and the amount of oil was determined unrecoverable.

Cargo Oil Detected in Ballast Tank of T/V DENALI: On 21 Feb, the double bottom tanker DENALI arrived safely at LB berth T121 to offload cargo of Alaska North Slope Crude Oil. On 20 Feb 2003, operator reported vessel’s cargo oil had been detected in a ballast tank, indicating a possible crack between one of the cargo oil tanks and adjoining ballast tank. After the cargo was offloaded, the vessel shifted to Bravo anchorage for classification society surveyor and Coast Guard inspection. A minor crack was discovered and determined to be the source. The vessel was then allowed to proceeded to Seattle for immediate repair.

M/V ICE FLAKE Experienced Propulsion Casualty: On 21 Feb, the refrigerated cargo ship lost main propulsion while maneuvering in the Los Angeles Pilot boarding area. The pilot embarked 2 tractor tugs and flat towed the disabled vessel into Los Angeles berth 216 without further incident.

Rule 10 Violation – San Pedro Bay: On 21 Feb, while using the southbound Traffic Separation Scheme, the T/V AMBERMAR was impeded by the U.S. flagged commercial fishing vessel SEA ANGLER. The Coast Guard responded, and after talking w/ both vessels, determined verbal warning was the appropriate enforcement action.

M/V BAI SHAN Experienced Lifeboat Drill Mishap at LA Berth 210: On 23 Feb, while hoisting one of the vessels lifeboats w/ six individuals aboard, the after fall came free and the lifeboat swung down, detached from the forward fall and freefell 30-40 feet into the water. Some minor injuries sustained by some of the crewmembers aboard.

Minor Oil Spill Discovered at Fish Harbor: On 23 Feb, approx. 20 gallons of bilge slops were discovered in the vicinity of LA Berth 258. The Oil Spill Liability Trust (OSTL) Fund was accessed and a contractor hired to conduct a clean up. Samples from potential sources were taken from several vessels for possible match.

Minor Diesel Oil Spill from Sunken F/V GALLANT at LA Berth 44: On 18 March, leaking diesel oil was discovered emanating from sunken vessel. Initially, since the responsible party could not be determined, the OSTL Fund was accessed and a contractor was hired to conduct the clean up.

CGC MORGENTHAU Grounded South of Pier 400: On 18 March, the Coast Guard cutter, inbound from Angels Gate and transiting to the Bravo anchorages, grounded during low tide. The cutter was later floated w/ tug assistance as the tide began to rise and transited to B-5 Anchorage with no reports of injury, flooding or structural damage.

Minor Oil Spill from the C/V ELATION at LA Berth 93: On 23 March, approx. 2 gallons of oily water spilled into the channel creating a sheen. An immediate clean-up was conducted by contractors who were on scene at the time.

Container Lost Overboard at Maersk Facility in Channel between Pier 300 & 400: On 25 March during cargo ops, two containers fell into the water. Maersk was able to remove both containers and there was no HAZMAT involved in the incident.

Close Quarters Situation Between M/V PYXIS and ITB BALTIMORE Approximately 1 NM Southwest of the LB Sea Buoy: On 26 March, the inbound M/V PYXIS was notified by VTS to adjust their speed and not interfere w/ the inbound ITB BALTIMORE who was approaching the pilot boarding area inbound to pick up a pilot (the M/V PYXIS slowed to 5 Kts.). Ten minutes later, noting that they were closing on the ITB BALTIMORE, the VTS again ask the M/V PYXIS to slow down and asked if they saw the ITB BALTIMORE, to which the vessel acknowledged and then came hard to port, resulting w/ a CPA of less than 0.02 NM.

Various Items of Interest

Dredging LA Main Channel: The three elements of this project are underway. The construction of the Pier 400 submerged material storage site, construction of the South West Slip landfill and LA Main Channel pipeline repair, which is anticipated to be complete 1 April. The next dredging element is due to start during the first part of May. This will involve clamshell dredging in the West Basin. The material will be placed in the Southwest Slip location.

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.

Pier G/Berth G-214: The berth re-facing portion of this project began on 28 January by Traylor Pacific. It is anticipated to be complete by April 4th 2003.

Carnival Cruise Ship Pier Construction: Traylor Pacific constructed the new pier and is working on some small modifications to the pier for the larger vessels.

Pier J Construction: Manson Construction expects Pier J Construction to continue until December 2003. The pier construction has started and involves waterside pile driving.

LA Berth 100: The four cranes will be removed and replaced with smaller ones. Time line unknown.

Long Beach West Basin: Connolly Pacific and Manson construction have started demolition work removing Piers 1,2, and 3 in the West Basin off of Pier T. The work will be done from both water and land. This operation will last until October 2004.

Commodore Heim Bridge: The fendering system is still being repaired. They are also conducting scheduled preventative maintenance on the cables. The bridge is on a one hour cycle, 30min up and 30min down. Vessel traffic will experience a maximum delay of 60min, depending on the cycle. The work is being done Monday thru Thursday from 1900 to 0500. The work is sched to be complete by 30 April 2003.

 

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