Harbor Safety Committee Minutes

WEDNESDAY, 02 JUNE 2004

The Ninety Ninth 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 Strong called the Meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. The Deputy 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 MOORING MASTERS
Ms. Yvonne Allen		Capt. Jim Morgan	Capt.Mike Miller (ChevronTexaco)

FOR THE MARINE OIL TERMINAL OPERATORS		FOR THE LOS ANGELES PILOT ORGANIZATION	FOR THE LONG BEACH PILOT ORGANIZATION
Capt. Todd A. Barr (Shell)		Capt. John M. Betz	Capt. John Strong (JPS)

FOR TUG & BARGE OPERATORS		FOR THE DRY CARGO CARRIERS	FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS
Mr. Jeff Browning (Sause Bros.)		Mr. Philip Wright (Zim)	(Absent)

FOR ORGANIZED LABOR		FOR THE CALIF. COASTAL COMM.	FOR THE TANKER OPERATORS
Mr. John C. Cox (SIU)		Ms. Robin Blanchfield	Capt. Norman George (MTL)
FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD		FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS	FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
Cdr. Laura O’Hare, USCG MSO/Group LA/LB		Mr. Garry Brown (Orange County CoastKeeper)	Mr. Tomas Ford (Santa Monica Baykeeper)
FOR THE CDF&G/OSPR		FOR PASSENGER FERRY OPERATORS	FOR THE USACOE
Mr. James Rolin, Field Rep.		Capt. Ray Lyman (Cat. Exp.)	Mr. Jim Fields
FOR THE CALIF. STATE LANDS. COMM. Mr. Gary Gregory
	DEPUTY 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 all 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 98th Meeting. Capt. Lyman moved, seconded by Mr. Brown, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 98th 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. Dick McKenna, Deputy Executive Director, MX-SoCal & VTS-LA/LB Harbor, reported that there had been seven reportable “incidents” since the last HSC meeting -- three propulsion problems, including a ship losing power at LA buoy #3. This is the type of incident that is under review by S/C#1 for a possible VTS rule change that would require pre-port entry engine checks prior to reaching the Precautionary Area. One incident was in the “other” category, for failing to provide Advanced Notification of Arrival. There were two rules violations: an obstructing fishing vessel and an obstructing sailboat); and one communications incident involving a failure to advise of an underway from anchorage. The level of incidents is up slightly from the past two years.

(2) As a matter of note, the VTS is currently not using the active VHF transmission capability of its AIS equipment, due to a dispute between the Coast Guard and MariTEL over the use of radio frequencies allocated to the AIS system in the USA. Petitions and counter petitions are currently under review by the FCC in this matter. Once these disputes are resolved by a final FCC ruling, AIS transmissions by the VTS at LA/LB Harbor can be expected to resume.

(3) The staff from Coast Guard HdQtrs will visit the VTS later this month to observe AIS operations and to hold a workshop with the VTS and the pilot organizations.

(B) Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

Presented by Commander Laura O’Hare, USCG – Operations Officer - MSO/Group LA/LB.

(1) The Coast Guard is hosting a Security Forum tomorrow at 0800 at the Port of Long Beach for all company, terminal and vessel security officers, as well as agents.

(2) The Coast Guard is in the process of acquiring an electronic system that will provide an automated email messaging system to notify interested parties of changes in Marsec levels as well as other vital pieces of information, and report confirmation of level attainment.

(3) A report is due shortly from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning LNG ships. Once received, the Coast Guard will participate with the LNG Working Group to develop a plan for handling these ships within the guidelines of the FERC report.

(4) A brief review of ongoing construction activity throughout the Port was provided.

(5) Although the investigation of the recent Commodore Heim Bridge allision is still ongoing, some pertinent details were provided:

- Transit was made with a boom un-cradled.

- The barge was light loaded, ergo high in the water.

- Transit was made at unusually high tide.

The Bridge will remain closed during the periods of 1900 Friday until 0600 Monday and on weeknights 1900-0600 until Oct. 6 to effect temporary repairs and determine what other repairs will be required.

(6) As mentioned in the last meeting, Northrop-Grumman has completed a vulnerability assessment of the Port. In late April, this was followed by a threat assessment conducted by Coast Guard Intelligence Formulation Center. When this report is complete, we will be able to match threats to vulnerabilities and develop a more lucid set of priorities/risk assessment for Port Security.

(7) The recent SONS exercise was an unqualified success. Captain Neffenger asked that it be passed on that he attributes this achievement to be the result of the long standing level of outstanding planning and cooperation that is characteristic of all the stakeholders involved.

Mr. Jim Rolin related that OSPR has responded to a letter written by the Port of Los Angeles Executive Director, Mr. Larry Keller concerning Assembly Bill 2388. A partial text of the letter was read; in essence saying that OSPR preferred to support Senate Bill 1742, a comprehensive cleanup bill for Harbor Safety Committees, which provides a tool for the Committees to mold their membership in a way each Harbor Safety Committee sees fit. OSPR considers SB1742 more flexible to the needs of Harbor Safety Committees than the more narrowly applied AB 2388.

(D.) Update on Local OSPR Activities:

Mr. Rolin indicated that he has recently been appointed to the National Harbor Safety Conference Logistics Committee, a local committee formed to develop plans for the National Conference of HSCs to take place here in next year’s March-April time frame. Chairman Strong related that there would be an effort at this Conference to add more emphasis to safety over security, as has been the case at these Conferences in the recent past.

(E.) Update on California State Lands Activities:

(1) Mr. Gary Gregory reported that the OTTER form associated with Ballast Water regulations is under review at the State’s Office of Administrative Law. A small change has been requested that should be completed this week. It is expected that this and another Ballast Water associated regulation concerning fees will become effective early next month.

(2) State Lands will again host a Prevention First Conference in Long Beach September 14-15. There will be a seaport security bent to the program, with Rear Admiral Eldridge, Commander Coast Guard District 11, as the guest speaker.

(3) Look for State Lands’ greater involvement in the Coast Guard’s Area Maritime Security Committees. The State’s Office of Homeland Defense has asked that State Lands represent them in port security issues.

(4) Several State Agencies and Commissions are working together to resolve issues concerning liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. They are working with Western State Petroleum Association (WSPA) to support each other in the development of standards to ensure the public that any LNG terminals in or off the shore of California are operated safely. There are more offshore terminal projects proposed than just the one shore side terminal envisioned in the Port of Long Beach. Bottom line: the State is working closely with LNG project proponents and industry to assure that terminals will be operated safely.

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

Mr. Jim Fields indicated that the Main Channel Dredging project is ongoing and can be expected to continue through to April 2005 based on additional work requested by the Port.

ITEM III -- NEW BUSINESS:

(A) Sub Committee Reports:

S/C # 1 -- Capt. John Strong, Chair: Meeting minutes covering two previous sessions of this panel were discussed. The Sub-Committee has been meeting with the towing industry, represented by Mr. Jeff Browning, and the fishing industry to help each group understand the constraints on each other as they operate in the precautionary area. Great strides have been made in this regard and it is anticipated that some operating guidelines for each group can be agreed to. Mr. Browning proceeded to provide an update.

At this point Ms. Robin Blanchfield was invited to present and show a short video entitled “Share the Bay”, intended for the recreational boater operating in the commercial traffic areas of San Francisco Bay. The video was very well received, and the Committee expressed an interest in general for developing a similar video for the LA/LB Port Complex. Ms. Blanchfield provided background as to how “Share The Bay” was developed, including the activities and funding mechanisms involved.

An obstruction south of the B-8 anchorage has now been properly marked through the cooperation of NOAA and the Army Corps of Engineers

Assignments have been made for the annual review and update of the Harbor Safety Plan. Chairman Strong was pleased to note that the efforts in previous reviews has refined the plan so much that significantly more time is now being spent on safety issues as less time is required to complete the review. A brief canvassing of the Sub-Committee members indicated that changes this year would be minimal. As an enhancement to the Plan, Chairman Strong made a motion to add the approved Tug Escort Alternate Compliance Request to the Plan as an addendum. Seconded by Mr. Wright and carried unanimously by a show of hands from voting members present.

A letter drafted by Captain Norman George was sent to PMSA, WSPA, INTERTANKO and U.S. Chamber of Shipping requesting concurrence in an HSC initiative to require ships to test engines for entering Port prior to arriving at the Precautionary Area. Once concurrence is obtained, a change will be made to tariff regulations and the VTS User’s Manual.

(2) S/C # 2 – Capt. Bent Christiansen, Chair, met to discuss a pamphlet directed toward recreational boaters operating in and around the harbor. His sub-committee will explore the development of video similar to the “Share The Bay” video showed today.

(4) Other New Business

(1) A brief discussion ensued as to the requirement to have the Harbor Safety Plan’s annual review conducted without the need for a meeting to do so. It was decided that, based on the minimal number of significant changes anticipated, individual signatures could be obtained for the final review, and an email vote would suffice to validate the Plan. It was emphasized that the Plan worked best as a “living document”, but that signatures should be obtained from the Committee annually, and a record copy as of that time be maintained by the Marine Exchange.

(2) Chairman Strong related that, at a recent meeting of the Area Maritime Security Committee, the question of logistics came up from the L. A. County Sheriff Department’s representative. He solicited expressions of interest and/or contributions of assets from industry. After some discussion, he suggested that Sub-Committee #1 take this up as an agenda item.

ITEM IV -- QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:

Dr. Jim Fawcett, University of Southern California Sea Grant Program stated that his program was committed to helping to inform the public about the importance of marine transportation and would be very interested in participating in a film project such as the “Share The Bay” video presented today.

Mr. Philip Wright called the Committee’s attention to Mr. Jeff Browning for his work in bringing together a working committee to address the danger of containers falling on bunker barges. His efforts were successful in raising the level of awareness not only in Los Angeles and Long Beach, but also nationally and internationally about this potentially life threatening hazard. Chairman Strong suggested that this initiative be featured at next year’s National Harbor Safety Conference.

ITEM V -- MEETING SCHEDULE:

The next regular meeting for the LA/LB HSC will be held on the 6th of October, 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 late September

ITEM VI -- ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Garry Brown asked that the Committee take a moment to reflect on the untimely passing of Mr. Joe Dawkins, new to the Committee as the Alternate Representative for Environmental Groups. He eulogized Mr. Dawkins as an already involved and valuable member who showed great promise in the future accomplishments of the Committee. Per Mr. Brown’s recommendation, and with no further business to discuss, Chairman Strong adjourned the 99th Harbor Safety Committee meeting in memory of Mr. Joe Dawkins at 11:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Capt. R.B. McKenna
Deputy Executive Secretary, LA/LB Harbor Safety Committee

Harbor Safety Committee “Local CG” Briefing (2 June 2004)

· The US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office/Group Los Angeles-Long Beach Maritime Transportation Security Forum is scheduled for June 3rd, 2004 at the Board of Harbor Commissioner's Room, Long Beach, CA. Who Should Attend:

Company Security Officers, Facility Security Officers, Vessel Security Officers, and Shipping Agents.

· USCG Investigators are doing investigation of the Heim bridge allision; there are safety concerns over not cradling crane while transiting. CG issued a Navigation Notice of drawbridge closure from Mar-Oct 2004 to conduct repair.

· USCG is in the process of acquiring the PIER System. PIER is the leading crisis communication technology used today. It was created out of experience in helping manage a large-scale news event and is based on years of experience in manage day-to-day communications, major public issues, and other critical communication challenges. PIER system will give the USCG the capability to distribute notifications by both email and telephone. The system can track real time MARSEC attainment responses.

· The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sponsored a report, Consequence Assessment Methods for Incidents Involving Releases from Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers which has just been issued. The study represents FERC's commitment to continue refining the analytical capabilities for site-specific reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act. The USCG is working closely with CA State Lands Commission on LNG proposals that are in LALB AOR.

· Construction updates:

Dredging LA Main Channel: Ongoing project, will restart main channel dredging in late June or first week of July 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 July 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.

Long Beach Pier S: Construction of new piers on the north side of Pier S; nothing received by Coast Guard on actual start date. The Environmental Impact Report has been completed and the ACOE Public Notice has been sent out.

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.