Harbor Safety Committee Minutes

WEDNESDAY, 4 JUNE, 2003

The Ninety Third 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 10:15 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
(Absent)		(Absent)	Capt. John Strong (JPS)

TANKER OPERATORS		LOS ANGELES PILOT ORGANIZATION	MOORING MASTERS
Capt. Norman George (MTL)		Capt. Mike Rubino	Capt. Mike Miller (Chevron Texaco)

TUG & BARGE OPERATORS		DRY CARGO CARRIERS	FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS
Mr. Jeff Browning (Sause Bros.)		Mr. Dave Pritzos (K-Line)	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 John Holmes (COTP)		Mr. Garry Brown (Orange County CoastKeeper)	(Absent) (Calif. CoastKeeperAlliance)

OFFICE OF SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE (OSPR)		PASSENGER FERRY OPERATORS	U.S.ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Mr. James Rolin, Field Rep.		Capt. Ray Lyman (Catalina Express)	Mr. Jim Fields

	EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
	Capt. M.H.K. 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 Long Beach 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.

ACTION ITEMS:

Chairman Strong called on Mr. Jim Rolin (OSPR Liaison) to “swear in” the new appointee to fill the “Organized Labor” seat, Mr. John Cox from the Seafarers International Union (SIU). Mr. Cox was given a hearty round of applause by all in welcoming him as a new member of the LA/LB HSC “team”.

Chairman Strong then recognized CDR. Tom Harrison for his outstanding participation on the LA/LB HSC, and for his many contributions that helped us keep our ports safer, more efficient, and environmentally protected for the future. Additional commendations for CDR Harrison were voiced by Capt. Manny Aschemeyer (MX-VTS) and by Mr. Jim Rolin (OSPR). CDR. Harrison responded with thanks to all the committee members for their help cooperation and understanding, and he also gave praise and credit to the USCG staff at MSO for helping him with his work on the committee. Chairman Strong announced that a “Service Citation” from the LA/LB HSC was being prepared for Cdr. Harrison, and which will be presented to him before he departs for his new assignment in Alaska soon. CDR. Harrison then introduced his relief officer, LCDR Eva Kummerfeld, who assumes the post of “Port Operations Officer” at the Marine Safety Office henceforth. Chairman Strong welcomed her to the committee, and she was given a round of applause by all present.

ITEM I -- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Strong called for approval of the minutes of the 92nd meeting. Capt. Miller moved, seconded by Capt. Lyman, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 92nd 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, reported that there were five (5) reportable “incidents” since the last HSC meeting – with a Y-T-D total of 11 .-- two propulsion problems, two navigation equipment failures (gyros), and, one rules violation.

(B) Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

Presented by CAPT John Holmes, USCG – Commanding Officer - MSO/Group LA/LB.

(Please see attached report – HSC “Local CG” Briefing dated 06-04-03)

In addition to those incidents cited above, he also called attention to the focus on port security issues and procedures being pursued by the USCG and other agencies. CAPT Holmes added that after recent testimonies before various congressional committees back in Washington, the LA/LB Harbor complex has been recognized as a “national model” for its outstanding communications and cooperation amongst various state, local, and federal government agencies – and within the private sector, too – that allows for this seaport to react and respond to port security issues more effectively and more quickly than most others can

CAPT Holmes reminded everyone that there will be a significant “turn-over” at the MSO this month and next, including the retirement of his “XO”, CDR George Cummings last week, and the departure of CDR. Harrison and LCDR Dan Kane on transfers to new assignments. And CAPT Holmes himself will be retiring from the USCG on July 25th. CAPT Pete Neffinger, who will be arriving here on or about July 16th, will relieve him.

(1) Mr. Jim Rolin reported that the OSPR Administrator would call for an HSC “summit meeting” in Sacramento – inviting all HSC Chairs and Secretariats to come to that important session. The date and venue for the meeting is not yet determined, although September is the month targeted for that gathering. OSPR is hoping that “someone” will host the meeting this year (last year’s “summit meeting” was hosted by the LA/LB HSC and the Marine Exchange of Southern California. Possible venues for the upcoming meeting could be Humboldt Bay or San Diego.

(D) Update on OSPR Activities:

(1) Mr. James Rolin expressed his appreciation to all those who applied for the “Organized Labor Seat”, and congratulated Mr. John Cox for being the winning candidate.

(2) OSPR is developing a new outreach program called “walking the dock”, which deals primarily with marinas, small craft fueling docks, and yacht clubs – mapping them out for safety, security, and environmental issues with the California Coastal Commission; and also meeting with Power Squadron, USCG Auxiliary, boating training clubs, and other safety oriented groups to discuss navigation safety issues, safe fueling practices, passing out safety brochures, etc.

(3) OSPR is pleased with the progress made by the “Ad Hoc Working Group” for reviewing the by-laws and drawing up revisions for the state code governing HSC’s. More to be reported under new business.

(4) Capt. Aschemeyer inquired as to the status of the secretariat contract , which should have been sent our for signature by now. Mr. Rolin promised to look into that matter promptly.

(E) Update on California State Lands Commission. Activities:

(1) 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 implemented by late May. Marine oil terminals will be required to provide “security plans” to the CSLC (Marine Facilities Division), and there have been numerous inspections of facilities accomplished to date. 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.

(2) There was a minor gasoline spill at berth 84, Pier B (POLB), and the investigation involved a “human factors analysis” to determine cause and prevention. Mr. Gregory suggested that this committee might want to consider the “human factors analysis” in its recommendations for looking at other spills that may occur.

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

(1) 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:

(A) Sub Committee Reports:

(1) S/C # 1 -- Capt. John Strong, Chair: Meeting minutes covering previous sessions of this panel were discussed. Regarding the final “annual review” of the Harbor Safety Plan, copies of the revisions have been distributed to all members and alternates. Most of the revision involved “clean-up language”, verifying dates, and format alignment. Mr. Browning moved, seconded by Mr. Pritzos to accept the revised sections as presented; motion carried unanimously by a show of hands from those voting members present. The next meeting of S/C # 1 will be held after the next HSC meeting in July (time and venue to be announced later. A key topic to be discussed will be bunker barges alongside ships working cargo. The group will also monitor the plan for adding decorative lighting to the Vincent Thomas Bridge. New Business will include taking a look at the outside anchorages (including the temporary ones created during the port shut down last fall) to determine if LOA or ship type should be a factor in assigning anchorages. Also, the group will see if the use of VHF-FM Channel 63-A by the L.A. Pilots will help offset the congestion on VHF-FM Channel 73 for vessel operations inside the B/W.

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

(3) Ad Hoc Work Group – Chaired by Mr. Jim Rolin (OSPR). This group has met twice (May 16^th and May 29^th – minutes were distributed to all participants at today’s meeting). The group approved unanimously on six (6) petitions to present to the OSPR Administration – covering the five (5) “at large seats” that have been previously designated by the committee for various constituencies; and to allow for “alternates” to serve on the committee as well. Copies of these petitions were sent by e-mail to all representatives and alternates last week. After a brief deliberation, it was moved by Mr. Cox, seconded by Capt. Miller, to submit six (6) petitions to the OSPR Administrator in Sacramento (covering the following seats: Passenger Ferry Operators, Mooring Masters, Los Angeles Pilots Organizations, Marine Oil Terminal Operators, and Environmental Organizations for Santa Monica Bay; PLUS allowing for “alternates” to serve on the LA/LB HSC as back up to their respective representatives. Motion carried unanimously by a show of hand from voting members. Mr. Rolin also discussed briefly the draft revision to California Government Code (section governing HSC’s) that was distributed to the committee, along with the draft document for our new by-laws. These papers have been presented to the committee today for review and discussion only as “straw man papers”. The “Ad Hoc Working Group” will meet again on June 26^th at 2 PM (at the Marine Exchange) to finalize the wording of these documents, and will present them again to this committee at the next meeting for final review and approval at that time. Chairman Strong strongly advised that all HSC members read over these documents carefully, and either plan to attend the “Ad Hoc Working Group” session on June 26th; or submit your thoughts, suggestions, or comments in writing to Mr. Rolin (if you cannot attend). Capt. Strong further advised that there would be another HSC meeting called for in July (date and venue TBA) to allow for a final review and vote on these two important documents. Capt. Aschemeyer suggested that members may make their alterations to the documents and e-mail them back to him accordingly for consideration at the meeting on June 26^th.

(B) Other New Business

(1) CAPT Holmes suggested that considerations be given to possibly embracing some of the “security issues” within the scope of the LA/LB HSC monitoring and deliberations. Mr. Rolin suggested that OSPR also feels that “security” should be looked as for possible inclusion into the HSC protocol functions. Capt. Aschemeyer added that LA/LB Harbor already has excellent coverage for “security” via the SOCAL-MTSAC sub-committee for security, and the “cross pollination” that now exists between the HSC and MTS groups. Mr. Gregory suggested that while the current language in state code governing HSC’s does not include “security” as a topic, it nonetheless down not exclude it as a possible topic for the future.

(2) Capt. Aschemeyer brought up the grounding of the USCG Cutter several months ago, and the fact that this committee has not asked the USCG for the result of it’s investigations – how did it happen? Why did it happen? What are the “lessons learned “from this event? He added that the U.S. Navy vessels that come into port almost always take a local harbor pilot to make their transit into and out of port; the USCG cutters apparently do not. Perhaps this committee could recommend to the USCG that a pilot be taken aboard during such transits. CAPT Holmes agreed that it would be entirely prudent and appropriate for this committee to ask the USCG for the results of the investigation – with the main purpose being to improve harbor safety for the future. He added -- “If a large merchant ship went aground, this committee would be all over that incident for obtaining information and results and recommendations; so in my opinion, it’s entirely appropriate to pursue information on the USCG cutter grounding. Lessons learned” for such a grounding incident would certainly be a useful thing to get from them, and this is a state-mandated panel charged to do just that”. CAPT Holmes further suggested that the committee write to the USCG at District HdQtrs in Alameda, and ask them for their findings from the investigation of the cutter grounding. He will provide us a name and contact for the purpose of sending a letter of inquiry out to the USCG in this matter.

(3) Ms. Rebecca Smyth, from NOAA’s NOS branch, gave a presentation to the assembly on that agency’s ongoing work to improve charts, hydrographic information, and the like

(4) Mr. Chris Chase from InterOcean Systems gave a presentation on his company’s oil spill detection system, now in demonstration mode in San Diego Bay, Ms. Smyth will be working with Capt. Aschemeyer to organize a meeting of local stakeholders for LA/LB Harbor for considerations of putting in a “demonstration unit” for detecting oil spills in this seaport complex.

ITEM IV -- QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:

(NONE)

ITEM V -- MEETING SCHEDULE:

The next regular meeting for the LA/LB HSC will be held on the 23rd of July, 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 early July.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 11:26 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Capt. Manny Aschemeyer, Executive Secretary

HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE “LOCAL CG BRIEFING (6/04/03)

NOTABLE INCIDENTS

M/V THORSEGGEN Experienced Gyrocompass Malfunction: On 2 June, while inbound near the Whiskey Buoy, the vessel reported that the gyrocompass was not working properly. The vessel was directed to Foxtrot 4 Anchorage, after which it was granted a Letter of Deviation to proceed to berth. The M/V THORSEGGEN reached berth w/out incident.

M/V CSL CABO Experienced Propulsion Casualty 1.1 NM West of Platform Edith: On 28 May, while inbound, the crew shut down the engine in order to repair a crack in the main engine lube oil pipe. Tugs were dispatched by the owner to prevent drifting, and if necessary, flat tow the vessel to port. The vessel was later able to transit to berth w/out incident. Temporarily repairs were made, tested and found to be satisfactory prior to vessel dissipation.

Minor Oil Spill Discovered in Cabrillo Marina: On 23 May, a pleasure craft experienced a broken fuel pump and spill approx. 5 gallons diesel fuel into the water. Spill determined unrecoverable due to rapid dissipation.

Minor Oil Spill from the T/B HOLO KAI at LA Berth 163: On 19 May, approx. 2 gallons of bunker fuel spill from a small hole in the upper part of #1 stbd. tank. Pollution investigators responded and monitored the follow-up cleanup operations. The tank was emptied of product and the vessel required to effect repairs prior to being put back into service.

Minor Spill from Crane at Al Larson’s Shipyard: On 7 May, approx. 5 gallons of diesel fuel spilled when a pier partially collapsed, sending a crane into the water. The spilled diesel was immediately boomed off and recovered.

T/V SEABULK ARTIC Experienced Gyrocompass Malfunction: On 5 May, the inbound tank vessel reported that their gyrocompass was not working properly. The vessel was directed to Foxtrot 24 Anchorage, after which it corrected the problem then proceeded to berth w/out incident.

M/V HORIZON NAVIGATOR Experienced Propulsion Casualty 5.5 NM North of the Western end of Catalina Island: On 3 May, the outbound container ship had to reduce speed to effect temporary repairs to their condenser line near the chlorinator. Shortly thereafter, the vessel departed out of the VTS w/out incident.

Minor Oil Spill from M/V MING NORTH at LA Berth 126: On 20 April, approx. 50 gallons of fuel oil was found to have leaked from 33 inch long horizontal crack just below the waterline, extending from the portside #2 ballast tank to the portside #3 Fuel Oil Tank. The spill was contained and product was recovered with no effect on local transiting vessel traffic. Temporary repairs were made & approved by the Classification Society before the vessel was allowed to depart port.

Minor Collision Between F/V WILLIAM TRUOWG and the F/V KIM THANH 5 NM of the Long Beach Breakwall: On 18 April, the Coast Guard received a report of the incident. Upon investigation here were no injuries and damage was minimal. Both vessels were boarded by the Coast Guard and cited for discrepancies.

Minor Gasoline Spill from Loading Arm at Pier B, Berth 84: On 17 April, approx. 2 gallons leaked from the loading arm that was discharging gasoline ashore. On-site cleanup operations were immediately performed.

Minor Oil Spill from Sunken Pleasure Craft at LA Berth 204: On 13 April, minor amounts of diesel were discovered leaked from a sunken vessel. The Federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund was accessed to hire a contractor to raise the vessel so that all of the remaining oil could be reviewed.

Minor Oil Spill Discovered in the Vicinity of Long Beach Berth 55: On 2 April, approx. 20 gallons of diesel was observed in the water. The Federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund was accessed to hire a contractor to conduct cleanup operations. A suspected responsible party was not found.

VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST

Two Canadian Naval Vessels, the HMCS SASKATOON and the HMCS NANAIMO visited LA/LB Harbor: On 11 April, called on Los Angeles for a good will visit and crew liberty. They moored at Los Angeles Berth 46 for approx. 3 days.

Dredging LA Main Channel: four elements of this project are currently underway. The construction of the Pier 400 submerged material storage site, construction of the South West Slip landfill, construction of the Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Extension and the LA Main Channel dredging. The HR MORRIS is currently working dredge element D-206 (West Basin) using a submerged pipeline from LA Berth 146 across to LA Berth 100, where it ties into a floating line to the South West Slip Land Fill. A survey has been completed on the submerged pipeline marking the elevation at the top of the pipe-50 MLLW. This element is anticipated to be completed July 1. The next dredging element will be D-205. With the summer boating season upon us, the LA Deepening Contractors along with all involved are actively working to get project information to the marinas and boating public.

Pier 400 Phase II: This project is underway and involves the building of the piers on the A and B faces (northwest corner). The navigational aid, Terminal Island LB 6 (LLNR 3142) has been temporarily removed for most of his 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 is expected to be completed by October 2004.

Pier C construction: Manson Construction is conducting slope repairs to the north side of Pier C. All work is being conducted on spuds, keeping clear of vessel traffic. This operation should be complete early June 2003.

Pier J construction: Manson Construction expects Pier J Construction work to continue until December 2003. Most of the water-side pier construction has been completed.

LA Berth 100: The operation date for the terminal is presently unknown.

Long Beach Pier S: Construction of new piers on the north side of Pier S is due to start in December 2003.