Harbor Safety Committee Minutes

WEDNESDAY, 01 OCTOBER, 2003

The Ninety Fifth 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 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
(Vacant)		Capt. Jim Morgan (POLAPS)	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. Phil Wright (ZIM)	(Absent)

ORGANIZED LABOR		CALIF. COASTAL COMM.	CALIF STATE LANDS COMM.
Mr. John Cox (SIU)		(Absent)	Mr. Gary Gregory

U.S. COAST GUARD		ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS	FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
CAPT Peter Neffenger (COTP)		Mr. Garry Brown (Orange County CoastKeeper)	(Vacant)

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)	(Absent)

	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 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 94th meeting.” Gary Brown moved, seconded by John Cox, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 94th 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 (11) reportable “incidents” since the last HSC meeting.-- 8 propulsion problems, 1 navigation equipment failure, 1 “close quarters” (CQ) situation, and 1 VTS procedures violation. The “CQ” incident involved a small sail boat and a large ship – with the sail boat challenging the larger vessel for right-of-way privilege. The VTS procedures incident involved the USS TARAWA, which failed to “check in “ with the VTS and then launched boat in the vicinity of the oil platforms and the anchorages. VTS quickly advised the USCG’s MSO of this situation, and a helicopter and patrol boast were dispatched immediately to investigate and intervene. VTS contacted the US Navy’s Third Fleet command in San Diego about this incident, and steps have been taken to make certain this kind of “surprise” does not happen again. Nonetheless, this was a good “drill” for the VTS in responding to a “rogue vessel” situation, and the response was immediate, positive, and effective.

(B) Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

Presented by CAPT Peter Neffenger, USCG – Commanding Officer - MSO/Group LA/LB.

In addition to those incidents addressed by LCDR Kummerfeld in the USCG’s SCbriefing report (Please see attached report – HSC “Local CG Briefing” dated 10-01-03), CAPT Neffenger also called attention to the following items:

(1) There will be a “SONS” (Spill of National Significance) exercise conducted by the USCG and participating “first responders” in April of next year, featuring a simulated explosion aboard a tank vessel outside LA/LB Harbor, resulting in a 1 million gallon release of oil into the water. 12 hours into that simulated incident, there will be a simulated barge collision in San Diego Bay, resulting in a significant oil spill, and which will be addressed by both U.S. and Mexican government agencies, as well as OSRO’s on both side of the border.

(2) CAPT Neffenger referred to the letter received from Vice Admiral Terry Cross, Commander, Pacific Area, in response to the committee’s queries into the “grounding incident” that occurred last Spring, when the USCGC MORGENTHAU ran hard aground off the Pier 400 complex. The Admiral’s letter was very well received by the committee, and listed numerous preventive actions and “lesson learned” that came out of the Coast Guard’s investigation into this incident. One of the most noteworthy items was the Admiral’s directive to have the C.O.’s of USCG “cutters” consider the use of pilots and tugs when entering port in the future.

(3) Applications have been submitted to the USCG on September 3rd, from BHP, for establishing an offshore LNG terminal 14 miles off the coast of Ventura. There will be a careful review of that application, including “public meetings” being conducted for input from the local citizens and businesses. If approved, the terminal is targeted to be operational sometime in early 2008.

(4) An “Environmental Impact Statement” (EIS) is out for “public comment” with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), regarding a proposed LNG terminal at Berth T-126 at the Port of Long Beach. “Sound Energy Solutions” is the applicant. A public “scooping meeting” will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 9th to address this issue in an open forum. If approved, this terminal is slated to be operational by late 2006 or early 2007.

(5) Regarding the recent message that went out about the “Al Queda ships” that are apparently “roaming the seven seas”, and which could be a terrorist threat to our ports – CAPT Neffenger assured the committee that the full force and assets of the intelligence community, the DHS and DOD, and others, are well on top of this situation, and “have a handle” on where these vessels are, and what they are doing.

(6) CAPT Neffenger announced that the public comment period for the new MTSA Regulations ended in July. We can expect to see the new “Regs” published and disseminated by the end of November.

(1) Mr. Jim Rolin reported that the OSPR Administrator has called for an HSC “summit meeting” in Sacramento on October 30th – inviting all HSC Chairs and Secretariats to come to that important session. All Harbor Safety Plans will be reviewed and compared at that time, along with issues being dealt with at the five (5) harbor safely committees located around the state (Humboldt Bay, San Francisco Bay, Port Hueneme, LA/LB Harbor, and San Diego Bay).

(2) Mr. Rolin referenced the exchange of letters between Chairman John Strong and OSPR Acting Administrator Carlton Moore – regarding new “at large” petitions that were submitted by the LA/LB HSC, along with proposed changes in the legislative language dealing with HSC’s. Mr. Moore agreed to revise the petition language for defining the “Environmental Representative for Santa Monica Bay” (per the committee’s request). However, he declined to change the description of “A” Los Angeles Pilot Organization, back to “The” Los Angeles Pilot Organization (as requested by the committee in July).

(D) Update on Local OSPR Activities:

(1) Mr. James Rolin expressed his appreciation to all those who applied for the “Marine Oil Terminals” seat, and that a decision would be rendered soon on that appointment.

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

Mr. Gary Gregory reported on the following –

(1) The California State Lands Commission has been affected by budget cuts. The Marine Facilities Division has lost 15% of its positions as a result.

(2) LNG facility planning in Long Beach: The State Lands Commission (Marine Facilities Division) will assert jurisdiction over the marine terminal aspects of this proposed facility. This will include operations, design, construction, maintenance, inspection and repair. SLC will have representatives at the scoping meeting on October 9.

(3) AB 433, the reauthorization of the State Ballast Water Program has been signed by the Governor and became the Marine Invasive Species Act. We will soon re-energize the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to help with the regulatory mandates of the Act. This includes fee setting, development of a regional approach to coastal voyage issues, adopting regulations governing the evaluation and approval of shipboard experimental ballast water treatment systems, and development of a report to the legislature recommending specific performance standards for the discharge of ballast water into the waters of the state.

(4) SLC will conduct a Customer Service meeting in the not too distant future. No date has been specified as yet, but staff is currently looking at November 6, 2003 for planning purposes. Will confirm the actual date, time and venue later.

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

( N O N E )

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. Items addressed: Bunker Barges & Cargo Operations A/S; Dredging and Construction Activities; HSP Review; and Anchorage Review. Next meeting will be this afternoon at 1330 in the Executive Conference Room.

(2) S/C # 2 – Capt. Jim Morgan, reported for Capt. Bent Christiansen: This panel has been “dark” during the summer months, and will pick up their sessions next month. Focus is still on a pamphlet directed toward recreational boaters operating in and around the harbor. Work on this project is in the preliminary stages. There is a concern for funding to print up such a booklet. Capt. Aschemeyer suggested that we contact Ray Tsuneyoshi, Administrator for the California Department of Boating and Waterways, to see if his agency might fund this publication.

(3) Ad Hoc Work Group – Chaired by Mr. Jim Rolin (OSPR). As reported at the last meeting, this group met three times (May 16th , May 29th , and July 22nd ) – minutes were previously distributed to all participants. This panel 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. And at the last meeting of the LA/LB HSC (in July), the members approved unanimously 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. Those petitions have been reviewed and approved by the OSPR Acting Administrator, as reported earlier. The Ad Hoc panel also rejected a proposal to petition OSPR for a “dedicated at large seat” to be assigned to ILWU Local 68 (Los Angeles Port Pilots Assoc.), and also rejected proposed language revision to state law that would also provide a “dedicated seat” for ILWU Local 68 (Los Angeles Port Pilots Assoc.).

(B) Other New Business

(1) Capt. Mike Miller, speaking on behalf of ChevronTexaco Shipping Co., declared his company’s “deep concern” over statements made by Capt. Will Baumann, President of ILWU Local 68 (Los Angeles Port Pilots Assoc.), at the Ad Hoc Work Group Meeting held on July 22nd, and as excerpted from the minutes – “Capt. Will Baumann stated that the primary reason for his union’s seeking a seat on the LA/LB HSC was to ‘deal with unresolved (or disputed) safety matters that exist between management and labor at the POLA Pilot Service.’ Several participants asked Capt. Baumann for examples of such ‘unresolved (or disputed) safety matters’, but he declined to share them with the group – indicating instead that it would be appropriate to do so only after his union had a designated seat on the LA/LB HSC.” Capt. Miller declared that such comments about “unresolved (or disputed) safety matters” existing between labor and management at the POLA Pilot Service would force ChevronTexaco Shipping Co. to cease using pilots from the POLA Pilot Service on all future port call made by their owned or chartered tanker vessels; and that this policy would remain in effect until such time as all “unresolved (or disputed) safety matters” existing between labor and management at the POLA Pilot Service have been addressed completely and openly resolved by all the parties involved.

(2) Capt. Rubino responded to Capt. Miller’s declaration, pointing out that in HIS discussions with the pilots at the POLA Pilot Service, there were NO such “unresolved (or disputed) safety matters” between labor and management discovered; in fact, the union contract demands that any and all “safety issues” be brought to the attention of management immediately for discussion and resolution. However, Capt. Baumann has refused to recant the statement, and he has refused to provide any examples of these “unresolved (or disputed)” safety matters that supposedly exist between labor and management at the POLA Pilot Service.

(3) Capt. Morgan distributed copies of a resolution passed by the Board of Harbor Commissioners. The resolution seeks three seats for ILWU Local 68 on the Committee. The Board of Harbor Commissioners request that a member of ILWU Local 68 (Los Angeles Port Pilots Assoc.) be appointed to fill the seat as “Los Angeles Pilot Organization Representative” at the earliest opportunity. The resolution also recommends that new legislation be created to provide for an additional seat on the LA/LB HSC, designated exclusively for a representative designated by ILWU Local 68 (Los Angeles Port Pilots Assoc.) and that an Ad Hoc seat be added for ILWU Local 68. Capt. Aschemeyer advised that he had discussed this resolution with OSPR Acting Administrator Carlton Moore this morning, who stated that he would respond to Capt. Morgan’s letter (and the resolution) next week; and that it was NOT his intention (nor his authority) to vacate any existing appointed seat on the LA/LB HSC to “make room” for any new petitioning applicant.

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 3rd of December, 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 mid-November.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 10:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Capt. Manny Aschemeyer, Executive Secretary

HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE “LOCAL CG” BRIEFING

1 June through 30 September 2003

NOTABLE VESSEL INCIDENTS

EXPIRED VRP (24SEP03): COTP order given to M/V ALLEGIANCE to allow vessel to enter port with an expired Vessel Response Plan.

USCGC NARWHAL disabled (16SEP03): CG vessel lost all power and unable to restart engines adrift 4NM off Santa Rosa Island. CG towed to homeport of Corona del Mar.

COTP Order for Nav Safety (08SEP03): COTP order issued to Panamanian flagged bulker M/V BALSA 72. VTS observed vessel navigating outside the charted TSS. Vessel’s trackline followed an outdated edition of applicable chart, restricted visibility of less than ¼ nm in fog. Given vessel’s apparent lack of updated charts and reduced visibility issued COTP order requiring vessel to remain out of port until visibility increased to greater than 1 nm. PSC boarding conducted and requirement to upgrade charts issued to vessel.

World’s Largest Container Ship (25JUL03): The Chinese flagged container ship OOCL LONG BEACH, call sign VRYO4, arrived Long Beach outer anchorage for the first time in the United States at 250300T Jul. The vessel is 323m length overall at 89,097 gross tons with capacity for 8,063 TEUs.

Damaged Accommodation Ladder(15JUL03): M/V LORD FORTUNE, a bulk carrier, tied up at LA176, reporting that they had collided with the dock and had damaged their accommodation ladder. The M/V HUAL TRACER, a car carrier, had traveled past the M/V LORD FORTUNE, while it was tied up at LA176, creating a large wake. The wake caused the M/V LORD FORTUNE to heave alongside the dock, damaging the accommodation ladder as it hit the dock. CG Investigations Department met with LA Pilots in regards to the speed in which vessels transit the channel in the hopes of preventing any further mishaps.

Tug Barge Separation (30JUN03): The U.S. flagged tug SEANA-C, call sign WYE-7694, reported barge ladened with 58,000 barrels of No. 2 diesel fuel parted tow near Anacapa Passage at 300200T while enroute from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Tug relocated lighted barge 15 minutes later drifting in the northbound lane of the Santa Barbara Passage TSS. MLB arrived on scene, provided safety zone, and monitored drift rate near platforms. VTS expanded coverage, informed approaching vessels of fouled lanes. Tug rigged emergency tow and was met by a second tug and escorted to LA.

ALLISIONS/COLLISIONS

Bridge Allision (30SEP03): Tug Z with Barge Olympic L under tow allided with the Commodore Heim Bridge. A temporary safety zone was implemented. Minor damage to the vertical railroad ties and barrier wall of the bridge. Stern tow line parted. Bridge remained operational. CG IO department investigated.

Bridge Allison (25JUN03): Tug Millennium Star rubbed against the Heim Bridges fenders. No structural damage to either and no injuries to personnel. CG IO Department conducted an investigation.

Vessel Allison (24JUN03): Outbound M/V ZIM CHINA allided with FOSS facility. No structural damage to either and no injuries to personnel. CG Investigations department conducted interviews of crew and pilot on board during the incident.

Vessel Allison (11JUN03): Engine failure aboard M/V Catalina King resulted in vessel striking the dock, damaging a cleat. No damage was sustained to the vessel and no passengers were hurt. With the assistance of tugs, the M/V Catalina King returned to Long Beach where the engine failure was investigated by CG IO department

COLLISIONS (13SEP03): National Park Service vessel M/V OCEAN RANGER collided with dive vessel VISION during restricted visibility. One POB in water. Both vessels returned to San Miguel Island under own power and submitted CG 2692.

NEAR COLLISION (10AUG03): Cabrillo race committee reported near collision which resulted in one vessel capsizing near the Cabrillo Marina. Race committee vessel was recovered with all POB onboard second vessel re-righted.

POLLUTION

Transfer Operation (19SEP03): During transfer operations on the T/V ESMERALDAS a by-pass valve on the facility side of the transfer line failed releasing 15-20 gallons of bunker fuel on facility land.

Downed HELO (07SEP03): Helo reported in water in Queensway Bay. LB lifeguards and CG Station LA responded. All POBs in helo alive and rescued. Oil release of 5-10 gallons in water. Helo towed to shore.

Pleasure Craft Sunk (06SEP03): The U.S. flagged recreational vessel MAGNANIMOUS sunk in 30 feet of water near Long Point Catalina Island with 500 gallons of diesel fuel inside the fuel tank. FOSC federalized the removal of product from the vessel.

Sunken P/C (29AUG03): 31 ft P/C sank at LA Berth 202. Vessel released gasoline into the water. Vessel salvaged and towed to LA Berth 205.

Oil Spill: Approximate 45 gallon oil spill reported off LA Berth 261 at Fish Harbor. RP not determined, CG opened OSLTF and completed cleanup operations.

Cruise Ship - Hydraulic Oil Discharge (30JUN03): The Norwegian flagged cruise ship MONARCH OF THE SEAS, call sign LAMU4, reported salt water intrusion discovered in a hydraulic holding tank that services the starboard forward stabilizer system apparently displaced 10 gallons of hydraulic oil. Ship’s crew discovered the salt water intrusion at 281200T while enroute San Pedro to Ensenada, MX, but does not know when/where/if the hydraulic oil was discharged overboard, into the bilge, or otherwise. Ship’s crew secured forward stabilizer system and emptied hydraulic tank.

55-Gallon drum adrift (26JUN03): Unmarked blue 55-gallon drum floating IVO of LB S111. CG Treated as HAZMAT and contracted to have drum removed. 500-yard safety zone in affect during removal ops.

VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST

Dredging LA Main Channel: There four elements of this project underway: (1) construction of the Pier 300 expansion, (2) construction of the South West Slip landfill, (3) construction of the Cabrillo Shallow Water Habitat Extension, and (4) LA Main Channel dredging. The HR MORRIS is currently working dredge element D-208, 209 (West Basin) using a submerged pipeline from Berth 146 across to berth 100, where it ties into a floating line to South West Slip Land Fill. The DREDGE FLORIDA is currently working dredge element D-202 (Super Tanker Channel) southwest to the LA Main Channel. The FLORIDA is also using submerged pipeline running from the dredge along the northwest dike of the Shallow Water Habitat up to the new Shallow Water Habitat Extension. A survey has been completed on the submerged pipelines and electrical cables marking the elevation at the top of the pipe greater than charted depth at MLLW. The LA Deepening Contractors and Great Lakes Dredge Company send out daily notices to both Pilot Stations and the U.S. Coast Guard with chartlets showing the location of the dredges and equipment each day.

Pier 400 Phase II: This project is underway and 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.

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 October 2004.

Pier G Construction: Traylor Pacific has just completed the test pile program on the south face.

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

LA Berth 100: The four cranes will stay. The operation date for the terminal is still unknown.

Long Beach Pier S: Construction of new piers on the north side of Pier S is due to start in December of this year. The Environmental Impact Report has been completed.

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.