MINUTES OF THE EIGHTY EIGHTH MEETING OF THE LA/LB HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE

(Local Coast Guard Briefing Follows)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2002

The Eighty-Eighth Meeting of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee was convened in the main auditorium of the Port of Long Angeles Administration Building. Chairman John Strong called the Meeting to order at 10:10 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. George McShea (Polar Tankers)

Capt. Mike Rubino

Capt. M. Miller (ChevronTexaco)

 

 

 

FOR TUG & BARGE OPERATORS

FOR THE DRY CARGO CARRIERS

FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS

Mr. Wendall Koi (Foss)

Mr. Dave Pritzos (K-Line)

Mr. Tom Dessel (CMI)

 

 

 

FOR ORGANIZED LABOR

FOR THE CALIF. COASTAL COMM.

FOR THE U.S. NAVY

(ABSENT)

Ms. Ellen Faurot-Daniels

(VACANT)

 

 

 

FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

Cdr. G. Cumming COTP

(ABSENT)

(ABSENT)

X.O. – MSO/Group, LA/LB

(Santa Monika BayKeeper)

(Environment NOW)

FOR THE CDF&G/OSPR

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

FOR THE USACOE

Mr. James Rolin

Capt. M.H.K. Aschemeyer (MX)

Mr. Jim Fields

 

 

 

 

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 (and to Capt. Jim Morgan, in particular) for making their facilities available for this gathering and for providing the continental breakfast enjoyed by all. 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 “swear in” several Representatives and Alternates including:  Capt. George McShea (Vice President at Polar Tankers, and representing Tanker Operators); Capt. Tom Jacobsen (President of Jacobsen Pilot Service, and “Alternate” for Capt John Strong); Capt. Mike Miller (Mooring Master with ChevronTexaco, and representing Mooring Masters); Capt. Bent Christiansen (Chief Pilot at POLA Pilot Service, and “Alternate” for Capt. Mike Rubino); and Mr. Dave Pritzos (Operations Mgr. at K-Line, and representing Dry Cargo Operators)  All five men were warmly welcomed to the panel by Chairman Strong.

ITEM  I -- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Strong asked for approval of the minutes from the last (87th) meeting.  Capt. George McShea moved, seconded by Capt. Mike Rubino, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 87th 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. Dick McKenna, Deputy Executive Director, MX-LA/LB Harbor, reported that there have been only 5 reportable “incidents” since our last meeting in April – 2 of which were propulsion/mechanical problems; one “SAR”; one “engine fire” (in the inner harbor); and one “medical emergency” aboard a passenger ship. The VTS had a total of 40 incidents for 2001, which is one less than the previous year.  Among the total incidents are far fewer “violations” noted, with the vast majority being attributed to equipment/engine failures, and other non-regulatory matters. 

(B)  Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:  Cdr Cummings reported briefly on some of the items found in the Coast Guard’s “HSC Brief Report”.  (Please note the attached “Local CG Briefing” report to LA/LB HSC for additional details and items of interest).  He also mentioned that the USCG’s “ride-along” program for determining fatigue factors aboard harbor tugs had been essentially completed now, and that his staff was working on compiling their findings into a report that should be completed and published over the next 30 to 60 days.

(C) Update on OSPR Activities in Sacramento:
Mr. Jim Rolin reported that Capt Harlan Henderson had been confirmed by the California Senate to be the state’s new OSPR Administrator (officially).  He also mentioned that the next Harbor Safety Committee “Summit Meeting” would be scheduled for September, to coincide with the CSLC “Prevention First” Symposium set for September 10th & 11th of 2002 in Long Beach, California (at the Westin Hotel). 

(D)  Update on Local OSPR Activities: Mr. Jim Rolin reported that OSPR, CCC, USCG, ChevronTexaco, BP, the San Diego HSC, and NOAA have reactivated the “Offshore Lightering Risk Analysis Work Group”.  This group met recently for two days in San Diego, and accomplished much in understanding the offshore lightering operations currently underway off the coast of Southern California.  Mr. Rolin suggested that the principals involved with the lightering operations (ChevronTexaco and BP) plan to make a presentation to the LA/LB HSP on those operations, to keep this group “in the loop” regarding offshore lightering operations currently underway in Southern California waters. On July 9th, the HSC for Port Hueneme is expected to be reactivated after several years of being idle.  Capt. Carl Dingler of the Port Hueneme Harbor Pilots will serve as Chairman.

(E)   Update on California State Lands Commission Activities:
Mr. Larry Hope reported that the CSLC has proposed reducing the “Ballast Water Fee” from $400 per arrival to $200; copied of the PRM document was available to all.  Mr. Hope also reminded everyone that CSLC will conduct their next “prevention first” symposium in Long Beach (at the Westin Hotel) on September 10th of 2002.  Additional details will be coming out on this activity soon (for registration). Finally, he reported that there would be a “Technical Advisory Group meeting later this month (announcements will go out later); the purpose of which is to look at the security regulations in place at the various marine oil terminals in the region.

(F)   Update from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Mr. Jim Fields reported that the USACOE will be moving forward with the POLA main channel deepening project, which could begin as early as August (but may be delayed until November), depending on the paperwork process currently underway in Washington, DC.  This dredging project will run for two years, and will bring the POLA main channel down to (-) 50 feet.

(G) Other Business/Activities:
Mr. Rolin reported that the “secretariat contract” between OSPR and MX-LA/LB (for administering and facilitating the LA/LB HSC) had been signed and delivered last month.  Capt. Aschemeyer acknowledged that as well, and complimented Mr. Rolin for his outstanding help and participation to get that document negotiated, processed, and “signed off” in Sacramento in record time.

ITEM III -- NEW  BUSINESS: 

(A)  LA/LB HARBOR SAFETY PLAN

(1)  Capt. Aschemeyer announced that all the pertinent revisions to the LA/LB HSP for 2002 (which came out from the current “Annual Review Period”) were distributed to the LA/LB HSC Representatives and Alternates prior to this session.  He added that, with all the review and work done on those revisions at the sub-committee level (and in some cases, by various “work groups” within the subcommittees), these revisions should now stand secure for approval at this meeting today.  He also introduced Ms. Lorraine McKinney, Administrative Assistant at the MX-LA/LB, who is responsible for the editing and publishing of the LA/LB HSP each year – and he commended her for the outstanding work she’s done in the past and present.  It was moved by Capt. Rubino, seconded by Capt. McShea, to accept and approve the revisions to the LA/LB HSP as presented here today, for incorporation into the LA/LB HSP for 2002, to be edited, published, and distributed in August.  Motion carried unanimously by a show of hands from the voting members present.

(2)  Capt. Aschemeyer reminded the tug companies’ representatives that he had received updated “bollard pull” information from only one company (Crowley), for inclusion into the updated LA/LB HSP for 2002.  It is imperative that this information is updated in a timely and accurate way, especially as it relates to the three-year expiration dates for “bollard pull” certifications.  If that data is not current, ship and pilots are forbidden by law to use any tug that has expired “bollard pull” certificates.  Hence, it behooves all tug companies to get this information into the MX at the earliest.  Mr. Wendall Koi (Alternate for Mr. Jeff Browning, and representing tug and barge operators), promised to “pass the word” to the other tug companies accordingly in this vital matter.

(3)  Capt. Aschemeyer also requested that S./C # 1 look over the “Vessel Operating Procedures” (VOP) section of the LA/LB HSP to determine what, if any, revisions need be made, based on the overall revisions being made to the HSP in the various chapters.  Likewise, he requested that S/C # 2 do the same for the “Executive Summary” for the LA/:B HSP – making sure that section is “lined up” with all the revisions being approved here today.  Capt. Strong indicated that his panel (S/C # 1) would address and assign that task at their meeting this afternoon; and Capt. Jim Morgan promised to have his panel review the “Executive Summary” in like fashion next week.

(B)  Sub Committee Reports:

(1)  S/C # 1 --  Capt. John Strong, Chair:  Capt. Strong announced that S/C # 1 is set to meet again at the Marine Exchange, beginning at 1315 today.  All interested parties are encouraged to be there. This panel has met on two 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:  (a)  review the assigned chapters of the LA/LB HSP and submit whatever revisions were deemed necessary; (b)  monitor the POLA dredging project with meetings scheduled between USACOE, POLA staff, Pilots, USCG, and others; and to establish “vessel entry procedures” while the dredging is underway; and (c) monitoring all the construction projects :out there” currently – making sure that the contractors give ample notice of where their equipment and activities might impact safe port operations.  Capt. Strong added that S/C #1 would meet during the summer (at least once) to keep abreast of developing issues that may arise while the LA/LB HSC “goes dark” until October.  Meeting announcements would be sent out in advance to all interested parties for such sessions.

 (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 reported that the SOCAL-MTSAC group has created four sub-committees – one to deal with environmental issues (chaired by Gary Gregory of CSLC), another to address competitiveness (chaired by Bob Calix of MTA), a third to go after infrastructure matters (chaired by Stu Farnsworth from POSD), and the last to pursue safety & security issues (facilitated by USCG staff; chair is presently vacant).  By far, the Safety & Security sub-committee has been the most active & productive thus far, and they have produced the “terminal and ship security guidelines” that have recently been distributed by the USCG’s PacArea Commander to ALL COTP’s in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam for implementation at the earliest.  Meantime, the Infrastructure and Environmental panels have also met to produce a comprehensive “Infrastructure Needs List” for the Southern California Region (including the ports of Hueneme, L.A., Long Beach, and San Diego.  The full SOCAL-MTSAC panel has met several times since its first session (last October) , and has been recognized nationally as being one of the most pro-active MTS groups in the country.  The SOCAL-MTSAC panel will meet again in late June – time, date and venue to be advised later. Capt. Morgan added that, in his opinion, there were no “navigation safety issues” currently in the MTS Initiatives being pursued by the SOCAL-MTSAC group, and therefore no action or involvement from the LA/LB HSC was required at this time.  He will keep this group closely advised and posted on all MTS activities and issues arising from the SOCAL-MTSAC meetings.

(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 were distributed to all HSC members for their review and advice. Three main points were discussed  --  (a)  The upcoming “Tall Ships Challenge 2002” set for September 6-11, with sail training ships scheduled to visit LA/LB Harbor at that time; Dr. Lee  from the LAMM made a presentation yesterday, confirming that only 13 sail ships will participate, and only one is a “class A”; the vessel will parage up the POLA main channel and moor at berths 74 through 90;  (b)  Marine event planning and coordinating – 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.  To that end, the Assoc. of San Pedro Bay Yacht Clubs has prepared a detailed calendar of events for sharing with all interested parties.  No further action by S/C # 3 was required; and (c) the panel agreed to let the USCG handle all engine start failure statistics for the future.     The next meeting of this group will commence immediately following this session of the LA/LB HSC, in the Executive Conference Room directly behind the main auditorium.  All interested parties are encouraged to attend. (D) Other New Business Capt. Strong declared that there were no meetings of the full LA/LB HSC scheduled between now and October; however, he added that the Chair could, in fact, call a “special meeting” of this panel at any time it may be deemed necessary or pertinent to address harbor safety issues.  If such “special meeting” is called, ample advanced announcement would be made to all interested parties.

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 first Wednesday of OCTOBER 2002 , 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.  That session, by the way, will commend the “Annual Review Period” for the LA/LB HSP, 2003. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 10:47 A.M..

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

 

Harbor Safety Committee  “Local CG” Briefing (6/5/02)

Notable Incidents

M/V GYN YOH Experienced Propulsion Casualty:

On 3 June, the vessel experienced loss of astern propulsion when preparing to shift from anchorage B-4 to Berth T118.  Pilot ordered third tug for flat tow to berth w/out incident.  Successful Class repair report required prior to departure.  Minor Oil Spill from VOPAK Terminal (LA Berth 187):  On 2 June, 10 gallons of oil spill into the water due to a blown gasket on a line at the terminal.  Immediate clean up was initiated and completed by the facility. SOLAS Detention Placed on M/V LA LINDA: On 15 May, the vessel was detained due to the crews inability to conduct a satisfactory fire/abandon ship drills, emergency fire pump not functioning, fire doors being held open/wasted/would not close, and the lifeboat falls not able to lower lifeboat.  Vessel was required to document repairs and conduct satisfactory lifeboat/fire drills to the satisfaction of the attending Marine Inspector prior to departure.

M/V VOC STERLING Experienced Propulsion Casualty:

On 1 May while outbound 3.4 NM SW of Pt. Vicente, the vessel exited the northern traffic lane and came to all stops to change a fuel oil valve.  Repairs were successfully completed and the vessel proceeded on her voyage w/out incident approximately 50 minutes later. Inert Gas Auxiliary Boiler Explosion Aboard T/V KINGFISHER:  On 30 April, a fireside explosion occurred while vessel anchored at B-7 and the vessel prepared to begin bunkering. There were no injuries, collateral damage, or subsequent fire onboard. The ship's crew monitored/logged inert gas readings (which remained stable) while repairs to auxiliary boiler were completed. A local response plan was developed in the event O2 levels rose above 8%.  Satisfactory repairs were completed and the vessel departed port w/out incident on 8 May.

Empty Containers Fell Into Water Off LA Pier 300:

On 30 April, 3 empty containers were knocked overboard from the M/V PRESIDENT KENNEDY during offload operations. One container was immediately recovered from the surface using a gantry cranes, while the other two sank further out in the channel and had to be later recovered with the assistance of divers and a barge crane. Two APL ships were delayed for a few hours due to these obstructions to navigation.

M/V P&O NEDLLOYD SAN FRANCISCO Experienced Propulsion Casualty:

On 21 April, while outbound and approx 4.3 NM South of the W buoy, the vessel reported a leaking exhaust valve on their main engine.  The vessel headed a safe distance south of the W buoy and made repairs, continuing south w/out incident approximately 1.5 hours later. 

Lifeboat Inadvertently Released from ITB JACKSONVILLE:

On 20 April, while anchored at F-11, the starboard lifeboat launched unexpectedly from the cradle and landed inverted in the water, drifting away from the ship.  The crew launched the port lifeboat and towed the inverted starboard lifeboat back to the vessel but could not right it. A sheen was observed but dissipated and the starboard lifeboat was later towed to San Pedro for repairs.

Minor Bunker Oil Spill from M/V KATER WAVE:

On 15 April, while moored at Long Beach Berth 214, a 25 gallon spill occurred while refueling due to the vessel incorrectly following established transfer procedures.  The vessel contracted Ship Services to undertake cleanup operations which were completed to the satisfaction of the state and federal authorities.

M/V BUNGA ORKID LIMA Detained for Noncompliance with ISM Code and ILO 147 Conventions:

On 12 April, the vessel was detained for noncompliance with the following items:

Vessel was detained until an external ISM audit report indicated deficiencies had be corrected.

M/V BUYIHE Placed on Hold:

On 11 April, the vessel was placed on hold due to discovery of five ruptured fire hoses and minor damages the deck handrails, catwalk, and deck lighting caused by two dropped containers during cargo operations. The damaged containers had lube oil inside and approx 80 barrels of lube oil leaked out, however, it did not enter the water. Satisfactory repairs were made and contractors were hired to conduct clean-up operations prior to the vessels departure.

SOLAS Detention Placed on M/V APL CYPRINE:

On 11 April, the vessel was detained since the Vessel’s crew could not perform a satisfactory fire and lifeboat drill and the lifeboat lowereing/releasing mechanisms did not operate properly. Vessel was required to document repairs and conduct satisfactory lifeboat/fire drills to the satisfaction of the attending Marine Inspector prior to departure.

Various Items of Interest

The Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC) T/V HELLESPONT ALHAMBRA made it’s first US visit anchoring West of El Segundo on 16 May before heading offshore for lightering operations.

Revocation of Certificate of Inspection (COI) for Small Passenger Vessel KARIN LYNN: On 12 May the vessel, which operates out of Ports O’Call village, was observed operating with passengers although their COI had expired the day before.  The vessel was met at the pier when they returned and the expired COI was removed.  The vessel is prohibited from carrying passengers until it retains a valid COI.

California State Lands Commission will hold “Prevention First 2002”, an onshore and Offshore Pollution Prevention Symposium & Technology Exhibition September 10-11 at the Westin Long Beach Hotel.  Registration information (800) 858-7743 or (916) 278-4960.

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

LA/Pier 400 Construction, Stage II: Pier 400 landside activities continue with the earthworks portion of this construction project.  Seven cranes have been delivered to date with three more due to arrive later this summer.

Pier T Cranes: Six cranes have been delivered to Pier T with the next set of cranes due to arrive July 10 2002.

Dredging LA Main Channel:  LA main ship channel dredging is scheduled to start the first part August and is expected to continue for approximately 24 months.  The contract is currently open for bid and will close on 16 July 2002.  Several coordination meetings to discuss vessel traffic safety/procedures will be held prior to the start of dredging.

Dredging Long Beach Main Channel: Connolly Pacific is dredging the southwest side of Long Beach Main Ship Channel near the Navy Mole until 14 June 2002.

Pier J Construction: Manson Construction expects Pier J Construction to continue until December 2003. This operation consists of clamshell dredging,  hydraulic dredging, rock placement, pile driving and wharf construction.  Dredging is taking place at Long Beach anchorage B-4.  M/V Sheila Ann will have two more trips to offload rock.

Berth 100 Construction: The Berth 100 construction project has begun. The project is to construct a 1,200 foot long by 111 foot wide concrete wharf at Berth 100 that includes dredging approximately 46,000 cubic yards of material.  Pile driving and rock placement operations are being done at the same time by Traylor Pacific and Connolly Pacific.