Harbor Safety Committee Minutes

(Local Coast Guard Briefing Follows)

WEDNESDAY, 3 APRIL 2002

The Eighty-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 John Strong called the Meeting to order at 10:06 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
Mr. Robert Barker		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. Mike Miller (Chevron)

FOR TUG & BARGE OPERATORS		FOR THE DRY CARGO CARRIERS	FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS
Mr. Ed McCain (Crowley)		(VACANT)	(ABSENT)

FOR ORGANIZED LABOR		FOR THE CALIF. COASTAL COMM.	FOR THE U.S. NAVY
Mr. S. Mueller-Dombois (IBU)		Mr. Peter Tittmann	(VACANT)

FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD		FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS	FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
Cdr. Tom Harrison, Chief		Mr. Garry Brown	Mr. Brian Machovina
Port Ops. – MSO/Group, LA/LB		(Orange County CoastKeeper)	(California CoastKeeper Alliance)
FOR THE CDF&G/OSPR		EXECUTIVE SECRETARY	FOR THE USACOE
Mr. James Rolin		Capt. M.H.K. Aschemeyer (MX)	(ABSENT)

	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 Long Beach for making their facilities available for this gathering and for providing the continental breakfast enjoyed by all. He then asked for “self introductions” around the table, so everyone could become familiar with the “new faces” on the panel. All participants obliged by giving their name, their affiliation, and the constituency they represent on the LA/LB HSC.

The Chairman then advised the audience that this was a “working committee”, and that there would be no public comments taken during the discussions and deliberations. However, the public would be offered the opportunity to speak before this panel, after Agenda Item IV under “Public Comments” 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 several 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.

ACTION ITEMS:

Chairman Strong called on the OSPR Representative, Mr. Jim Rollin, to announce the new Representatives appointed to the LA/LB HSC to fill the vacancies on this panel. Mr. David Pritzos of K-Line (America) has been appointed to represent the “Dry Cargo Carriers” (replacing Capt. Torben Blichfeld, who resigned late last year). Mr. Brian Machovina has been appointed to represent the environmental interests for Santa Monica Bay (replacing Mr. Steve Fleischli, who resigned earlier this year). Mr. Garry Brown has been appointed to represent the environmental interests for LA/LB Harbor (replacing Ms. Kristina Haddad, who resigned last month). Mr. Rolin also announced that the following representatives had been re-appointed to new three-year terms – Capt. John Strong of Jacobsen Pilot Service (representing the Long Beach Pilots, and current Chair for the LA/LB HSC); Capt. George McShea of Polar Tankers (representing tanker operators); Capt. Norman George of MTL (alternate for tanker operators); and Capt. Mike Miller of Chevron Shipping Co. (representing off-shore terminals’ mooring masters); All were “sworn in” by Mr. Rolin (save Mr. Dave Pritzos and Capt. George McShea were unable to attend today’s session, and both men will be sworn in at the next meeting). Also, it was noted that Mr. Peter Tittmann of the California Coastal Commission would be sitting in as “unappointed representative” for the CCC on the LA/LB HSC until such time as a replacement was found for Mr. Lilli Ferguson (who resigned last month). Capt. John Strong welcomed all the newly appointed (as well as re-appointed) representatives to the panel.

ITEM I -- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Strong.asked for approval of the minutes from the last (86^th) meeting. Mr. Stephan Mueller-Dubois moved, seconded by Mr. Ed McCain, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 86^th Meeting, as presented here today. 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-LA/LB Harbor, reported that the upgrade to new VTS tracking systems was completed last month, and he invited one and all to come visit the VTS soon to see this new equipment in action. “You’ll be impressed and pleased with what you find there”, he stated.

(2) Capt. Dick McKenna, Deputy Executive Director, MX-LA/LB Harbor, reported that there have been only 7 reportable “incidents” since our last meeting in February – 4 of which were propulsion/mechanical problems. One other incident involved an inbound vessel that apparently had old, uncorrected charts – the USCG was advised of this situation, for possible follow-up inspection and investigation. There were two COLREGS incidents – one between a large passenger ship and a small fishing vessel; and another between a large containership and a tug-with-tow. Both incidents became “close quarters” situations, but ended with a “no harm, no foul” resolution. The bridge management team from the passenger ship has been up to visit the VTS since their incident, and discussed “lessons learned” from that situation. The Captain of the containership is expected to visit the VTS when his ship returns to LA/LB Harbor in a month or so. Meantime, the VTS staff will meet soon to discuss the latter incident between the container ship and tug-with-tow, since management felt that the VTS could have been more proactive in the handling and facilitating of that situation – again, “lessons learned” will be the main objective.

(B) Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

Cdr. Tom Harrison, USCG – Chief, Port Ops. -- MSO/Group, LA/LB. Indicated that the Coast Guard’s “HSC Brief Report” contained various points of interest and concern for all – including two accidents on shore that resulted in deaths. Coast Guard safety bulletins (with “lessons learned”) have been distributed to all interested parties by the MX to help fend off any repeat of the circumstances that may have caused these fatalities. The USCG continues its “ride-along program” on local tugs. Also, the USCG is seeking comments from waterway users on the replacement of the Commodore Heim Bridge. They request input on what impacts would result should existing vertical and horizontal clearance dimensions be reduced.

(Please note the attached “Local CG Briefing” report to LA/LB HSC for additional details and items of interest)

(1) Mr. Jim Rolin reported on the recent “HSC Summit Meeting” held in Sacramento last month, where the OSPR Administrator had gathered all HSC Chairs and Secretaries to discuss various items and issues of mutual interest and concern. It was a good session, and enjoyed by all. The Administrator indicated that this gathering would be an annual event, probably held in September each year, and that it would move around the state to gather at the various locales where HSC’s regularly meet.

(2) Capt. Harlan Henderson (OSPR Administrator) will be attending his confirmation hearings in the California Senate on April 10, and it is expected that the will be confirmed swiftly. Many letters of support have been sent to the State Senate on behalf of Capt.Henderson, including one from the LA/LB HSC.

(3) Assembly Bill 715 has passed in the state legislature and been signed into law by Governor Davis. It provides for (among other things) the appointment of five (5) extra representatives to each of the state’s five (5) Harbor Safety Committees. Here at LA/LB HSC we have already filled four (4) of those “extra seats” (offshore mooring masters, an additional environmentalist for Santa Monica Bay, a representative for small passenger vessels, and an additional pilot representative for LA/LB Harbor). That leaves one (1) additional seat “open” for another representative – and there has been interest expressed by terminal operators to participate on the LA/LB HSC in that capacity.

(D) Update on Local OSPR Activities:

Mr. Jim Rolin reported that the Harbor Safety Committee for Port Hueneme, which had become inactive several years ago, would become “active” once again. The Port of Hueneme (Oxnard Harbor District) has agreed to act as secretariat for the group, and at least one representative (Capt. Carl Dingler, POH Pilots) has been officially appointed to serve on that panel. A “steering session” is slated soon, to determine other possible representatives to be appointed to the POH-HSC.

(E) Update on California State Lands Commission Activities:

Mr. Robert Shilland reported that the CSLC has produced a set of emergency regulations for marine oil terminals dealing with security issues; those “regs” are now published and available on their web site (www.slc.ca.gov) Permanent regulations will be following later this year. CSLC will conduct their next “prevention first” seminar in Long Beach (at the Westin Hotel) on September 10th of 2002. Additional details will be coming out on this activity soon

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

(N O N E)

(G) Other Business/Activities:

Capt. Aschemeyer distributed copies of the California Boating Safety Report, for the year 2000 (which was published and distributed last summer. He apologized for the lateness in getting this important publication out to everyone, but the box had been misplaced at the MX and was just recently found. This report comes from the California Department of Boating and Waterways (Ray Tsuneyoshi, Director), and is an outstanding study of all boating accidents from around the state.

ITEM III -- NEW BUSINESS:

(A) National Harbor Safety Committee Conference – This annual event was held in Galveston, TX, on March 2 – 5 this year. Capt. Manny Aschemeyer and Mr. Bob Barker attended as representing the LA/LB HSC. Both men gave presentations to the conference group on activities and accomplishments for the LA/LB Harbor area. Both indicated that this was one of the better HSC conferences held – although it was still heavy with “MTS” items on the agenda.

(B) Sub Committee Reports:

(1) S/C # 1 -- Capt. John Strong, Chair:

(a) Capt. Strong announced that S/C # 1 is set to meet again at POLB, beginning at 1430 today. All interested parties are encouraged to be there. This panel has met on several occasions during the past two months (copies of minutes have been distributed to all interested parties). There are several issues being reviewed and discussed, as follows:

(b) New safety zones for El Segundo Moorings – The USCG is considering establishing these “safety zones” around the offshore terminal mooring in Santa Monica Bay.

(c) Small vessel interference around oil islands in POLB –S/C asked USCG to look into those complaint, and an “educational effort will be launched to advise recreational boaters accordingly..

(d) Tall Ship Challenge 2002 -- Dr. Lee (from LAMM) will give an update on this event at today’s meeting.

(2) S/C # 2 – Capt. Jim Morgan, Chair, reported that there had been no meetings scheduled for this panel, although this sub-committee has been tasked with maintaining liaison with the SOCAl –MTSAC group (where Capt. Morgan.sits as a representative for POLA). He will provide an update on the MTS activities at the nest meeting, and reporting on the SOCAL-MTSAC meeting on April 17^th.

(3) S/C # 3 – LCDR. Dan Kane, USCG (Chair) – This panel has met once since the full HSC last met, and minutes from that session on February 6th were distributed to all HSC members for their review and advice. Two main points were discussed -- (a) The upcoming “Tall Ships Challenge 2002” set for September 6-10, with sails training ships scheduled to visit LA/LB Harbor at that time; and (b) Marine permits and marine events – improving communications between city officials, the USCG, the MX-VTS, and Port Authority staff., so everyone is “in the loop” and prepared for when these activities get underway The next meeting of this group is set for 1430 this afternoon at POLB. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

(D) Other New Business

(1) Mr. Gerry Wheaton (from NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey) gave a brief report on their efforts to produce new charts for the west coast, and to update the Coast Pilot publication. He asked for ongoing input from the maritime community in keeping charts (and the Coast Pilot) current and accurate.

(2) Chairman Strong asked the Executive Secretary for a re-capitulation on submissions of revised chapters of the HSP for the Annual Review period. Capt. Aschemeyer indicated that the MX had received a lot of material from the various S/C Chairs, but he had no particulars to offer at this meeting. Capt Strong requested that the HSC members be advised at the earliest on what outstanding items (if any) still need to be submitted to the MX to be part of the final approval process for the revised HSP. Capt. Aschemeyer stated that he would prepare a listing of all submissions to date, and send that out to the LA/LB HSC members & alternates soon.

ITEM IV -- QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:

(N O N E )

ITEM V -- MEETING SCHEDULE:

The next regular meeting for the LA/LB HSC will be held on the first Wednesday of June 2002 (the 5^th), at the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building, in the 2^nd floor auditorium, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (breakfast reception). Announcements and materials will be mailed out to all interested parties in late May.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 10:42 A.M..

Respectfully submitted,
Capt. M.H.K. “Manny” Aschemeyer
Executive Secretary, LA/LB HSC

Harbor Safety Committee “Local CG” Briefing (4/3/02)
Notable Incidents

M/V HANSA ARENDAL Failed to Provide Advanced Notice of Arrival: On 30 March, The Liberian flagged ship was held out of port for not submitting arrival notification and vessel/cargo information. The vessel entered port without incident following a Coast Guard Port State Control boarding with subsequent Sea Marshal and Coast Guard escort to berth.

T/V KENAI Lost Portside Anchor: On 30 March the tank ship discovered that the portside anchor had detached from the chain while securing anchor at inside Long Beach B-11 anchorage. The vessel contracted to locate and reconnect the anchor to the chain.

Tug EL VIGIA Experience Propulsion Casualty: On 19 March, the tug lost its portside engine while towing the gravel barge LORETO to Long Beach. An Inbound Transit Authorization was granted for the tug and tow with 2-tug assist vessels brought on-scene. The tug and tow entered port without incident.

M/V SIRORAT NAREE Unaware of Traffic Separation Lane Changes: On 19 March, the VTS detected the vessel being outside the Traffic Lanes and approaching the Precautionary Area from the wrong direction. The vessel was directed to outer anchorage, where a Coast Guard Port State Control boarding was conducted. It was found that the vessel had no charts for the area, a violation case is being processed.

Cruise Ship STAR PRINCESS Experienced Close Quarters w/ Unidentified F/V: On 13 March, while outbound approx. 1.7 NM SW S of the Sierra buoy in the Traffic Separation Scheme, the P/V STAR PRINCESS noticed a fishing vessel off their starboard bow on a crossing heading. After a few failed attempts, the cruise ship establishing Bridge to Bridge radio contact, however the F/V ended up crossing her bow at close quarters

T/V BRITISH HAWK Experience Propulsion Casualty: On 13 March, while inbound 1.6 NM NE of the Sierra Buoy, the vessel reported having a problem w/ their air start and requested an outside anchorage to replace a valve. After successfully replacing and testing the valve, the T/V entered port w/out incident

M/V MC-KINNEY MAERSK Experience Propulsion Casualty: On 9 March, the container ship obtained an Inbound Transit Authorization to enter port after experiencing a main engine blower failure which limited vessel to one engine. The vessel entered Long Beach without incident accompanied by 2 escort tugs.

M/V BUXMOON Experience Propulsion Casualty: On 5 March, the outbound vessel notified VTS of Engine Failure and reporting herself Not Under Command. The vessel was at the southern edge of the Precautionary Area approx. 2 NM West of the Sierra Buoy. The VTS notified other vessels in the area and monitored drift as the engine failure was isolated to a blocked fuel pump which was repaired after approx. 25 minutes. The vessel then continued her voyage south without incident

Tug TUFFY II Experienced Close Quarters w/ M/V ZIM AMERICA WEST: On 4 March, in the Precautionary Area approx. 2.6NM SW of LA RACON Buoy #3, the tug w/ 1 freight barge in tow was outbound from Los Angeles and the M/V ZIM AMERICA WEST was northbound out of Long Beach. The tug ended up making a turn to starboard passing with a CPA (Closest Point of Approach) of 0.21 NM. The M/V acknowledge their error apologizing over the radio.

T/V SICHEM MARTIN Experience Propulsion Casualty: On 23 Feb while inbound approx. 25NM southeast of Pt Fermin the tanker confirmed that they had propulsion problems. They received an Inbound Transit Authorization and proceeded into port without further incident.

Minor Oil Spill From Tug C. F. CAMPBELL During Internal Fuel Transfer: On 16 Feb, while moored to a barge at Southwest Marine, the crew left the vessel unattended for 2 hours while an internal transfer of diesel was in progress. Approximately 100-200 gallons of diesel overflowed from the tank through a vent into the water. The crew returned, secured the pump, and made proper notifications. The RP hired a contractor to contain the spill and conduct cleanup operations.

M/V HARVESTER Minor Hydraulic Oil Spill In Vicinity Of LA Berth 55: On 14 Feb, the vessel spilled approximately 1qt of hydraulic fluid into the water from a leaking flange on the vessels crane. The crewmembers were discovered illegally using a dispersant on the spill. A violation case is being processed.

M/V MSC New York Experience Propulsion Casualty: On 6 Feb, the vessel lost their main engines while in Los Angeles turning basin while preparing to moor at berth 304. The pilot ordered an extra tug and the vessel was moored w/out incident.

Various Items of Interest

Accidental Death of Longshoreman Aboard M/V STREAM EXPRESS: On 15 March, four cables holding the turntable (cage spreader) on the vessel’s mid-ship crane snapped and fell to the deck of the vessel, striking a longshoreman.

Accidental Death of Boiler Technician From Falling Liferaft Canister at LA Berth 302: On 4 March, a loaded 16-person liferaft canister weighting 375 lbs was accidentally released from its gravity deployable cradle from the M/V PRESIDENT POLK falling approx. 50 ft, striking the technician on the pier who had just departed the vessel. Immediately prior to the incident, the vessel’s liferaft had been returned to its cradle after receiving a routine, annual inspection.

Two Deserters Departed M/V WADI ALKAMA While In Port: Sometime between 20-21 Feb, two male crew members deserted the vessel. The ship had hired a security guard to ensure crewmembers did not leave the ship, but the two men were able to depart undetected.

CALTRANS is proposing to replace the Commodore Heim Lift Bridge with a fixed bridge that would severely limit the vertical and horizontal clearance for vessels. Any parties concerned with permanently restricting navigational clearance under the bridge should submit their written comments to the Coast Guard Bridge Section in Alameda, CA.

Commander (oan), Bridge Section

Eleventh Coast Guard District

Bldg 50-6, Coast Guard Island

Alameda, CA 94501-5100

The Coast Guard seeks applications for membership on the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (CFIVAC). The CFIVAC advises and makes recommendations to the Coast Guard on the safety of the commercial fishing industry. Six positions are being filled. Applications are due by July 5, 2002. See 67 Fed. Reg.10470

The California State Lands Commission (SLC) will conduct a Meeting in Los Angeles on April 9, 2002. Among the numerous items on the agenda is a proposal to reduce the fee used to fund the state’s Ballast Water Management program.

LA/Pier 400 Construction, Stage II: Pier 400 land-side activities continue with the earthworks portion of this construction project. Once every month the M/V Pioneer anchors along the west face to offload rock. The duration of the rock offloading operation is 2 days.

Pier 400 Cranes: Beginning April 15, ten cranes will be delivered to Pier 400. The M/V Swift will deliver the first four.

Dredging Pier E, T and F: Connolly Pacific is conducting maintenance dredging in these locations. Most of the dredged material is being used at Pier J for landfill.

ITS Terminal Pier J & G Construction: Manson Construction expects this project to last until December 2003. This operation will consist of clamshell dredging, hydraulic dredging, rock placement, pile-driving and wharf construction. Dredging is taking place at Long Beach anchorage B-4 and the M/V Sheila Ann will have eight more trips to offload rock.

Dredging Alamitos Bay Channel: Maintenance dredging to continue thru April 15, 2002.

Gantry Crane Offload at Yusen Terminal: Yusen plans to offload two cranes IVO Berth 218 during the first week in April.

Berth 100 Construction: The project is to construct a 1,200-ft long by 111-ft wide concrete wharf and will also includes dredging approx. 46,000 cu yds. Pile driving should start mid April along with the M/V Sheila Ann off loading rock for fill.