MINUTES OF THE NINETIETH MEETING
OF THE LA/LB HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2002

(Local Coast Guard Briefing follows)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2002

The Ninetieth 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 10:04 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 TANK VESSEL OPERATORS

Ms. Marva Stewart

Capt. Jim Morgan

(ABSENT)
     

FOR THE LONG BEACH PILOT ORGANIZATION

FOR THE LOS ANGELES PILOT ORGANIZATION

FOR THE MOORING MASTERS

Capt. John Strong (JPS)

Capt. Mike Rubino

Capt. M. Miller (ChevronTexaco)
     

FOR TUG & BARGE OPERATORS

FOR THE DRY CARGO CARRIERS

FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS

Mr. Jeff Browning (Sause Bros.)

Mr. Dave Pritzos (K-Line)

Mr. Tom Dessel (CMI)
     

FOR ORGANIZED LABOR

FOR CALIF. COASTAL COMM.

FOR THE U.S. NAVY

Mr. Stephan Mueller-Dombois (IBU)

Ms. Ellen Faurot-Daniels

(VACANT)
     

FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

Capt. John Holmes COTP

(ABSENT)

Mr. Brian Machovina

C.O. – MSO/Group, LA/LB

(Orange County CoastKeeper)

(Calif. CoastKeeper Alliance)
     

FOR THE CDF&G/OSPR

FOR PASSENGER FERRY OPERATORS

FOR THE USACOE

Mr. James Rolin

Capt. Ray Lyman

Mr. Jim Fields
     
 

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

  
 

Capt. M.H.K. Aschemeyer -MXVTS

  
     
     
 

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 (and to Ms. Marva Stewart, 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.

ITEM  I -- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Strong asked for approval of the minutes from the last (89th) meeting.   Mr. Stephan Mueller-Dombois moved, seconded by Capt. Ray Lyman, to accept and approve the Minutes of the 89th 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 announced that the Marine Exchange and VTS had once again “risen to the occasion” in keeping the waterfront community advised on the status of ship traffic and congestion during the previous work stoppage at LA/LB Harbor – by posting “VTS situation reports” and “anchor queuing lists” on their web site throughout the ordeal.  After work resumed on the dock under a “Taft-Hartley injunction”, the MX continued to keep the waterfront industry advised and informed on the congestion problems that ran for several more weeks. At the “high point” of the congestion, the MX-VTS reported on over 125 ships in port, with nearly 70 at anchorage outside the breakwaters.  Vessels were eventually anchored all the way down past Huntington Beach, and “drift boxes” were even created to hold ships in place off shore when all the anchorage sites got filled.   Capt. Aschemeyer reported that comments and kudos had come in to the MX-VTS recently, not only from the Southern California constituents they serve, but also from companies and individuals scattered across the country -- all of whom expressed their gratitude for “a job well done” by the MX-VTS at LA/LB Harbor, and in the face of such challenging circumstances.  Capt. Aschemeyer also expressed compliments to both harbor pilot organizations for their professionalism and help in facilitating the ships as they moved from outside anchorages into their assigned berths.  The members of the LA/LB HSC also expressed their thanks and appreciation to the MX-VTS, and to the pilot organizations, at today’s session.            

             (2) Regarding “incidents” and traffic at the at the VTS, Capt. Aschemeyer reported that there have been only 4 reportable “incidents” since our last meeting in June – all of which were propulsion/mechanical problems. The VTS has recorded a total of 34 incidents for 2002 (through November), which is less than the previous year (40 were reported for 2001).  Among the total incidents are far fewer “regulations violations” noted, with the vast majority being attributed to equipment/engine failures, and other non-regulatory matters. Meantime, the “vessel counts” have fallen off significantly, with only 387 arrivals posted for October and 378 for November (“average” should be 435 – 450). This was the worst monthly count on arrivals in more than 20 years for LA/LB Harbor. Container ship calls have fallen off the most, with only 162 arrivals recorded for October, and 155 for November (“average” should be about 245).  But December seems to off to a better start, with more ships arriving each day, and an increase in the container ship count as well. 

               (3) Capt. Aschemeyer reported that the Marine Exchange would be launching its new “Marine Exchange/PortSource” web site on Monday, 12/09/02 – at NOON.  This exciting web site will feature “one-stop-shopping” for those seeking maritime information here in Southern California.  Additionally, there will be a selection of “real time reports” on vessel movements and locations available to the public on a 24 x 7 basis.  The Marine Exchange will be looking for feedback from those who visit and use the new web site over the next several weeks.  The site can be reached at www.marexlalb.org

(B)  Update on USCG MSO/Group Activities:

                            (1)  Capt. John Holmes reported that the USCG’s “ride-along” program for determining fatigue and safety factors aboard harbor tugs was completed now, and that his staff had  compiled their findings into a “draft report” that would be distributed to the various tug companies involved with this study for their review and comments – and prior to that report being finalized and forwarded to the LA/LB HSC and to the  OSPR Administrator for further review and advice at those levels.  Essentially, Capt. Holmes reported that the USCG’s “ride along program” found no substantial issues that affected safety of operations in any real way, or contributed to excessive fatigue factors, within any of the three main tug operations currently serving LA/LB Harbor. The report does, however, have some recommendations for the tug operators to consider as part of their operations. Chairman Strong thanked Capt. Holmes and his staff for their outstanding work in addressing this difficult issue in such a fair, timely, and professional manner.  Capt. Holmes thanked the LA/LB HSC in return – and especially Sub-committee One – for their participation and help;  and he extended his commendations to the three tug companies and their crews for their outstanding participation and cooperation to help complete this study. 

                                (2) CDR. Tom Harrison USCG reported briefly on some of the items found in the Coast Guard’s “HSC Brief Report”.  (Please note the attached “Local USCG Briefing” report to LA/LB HSC for additional details and items of interest). He also thanked and praised the MX-VTS and the two pilot organizations for their outstanding help and participation for facilitating the movement of vessels during the period of severe congestion at the LA/LB Harbor complex.   

(C) Update on OSPR Activities:

                         (1) Mr. Jim Rolin announced to all interested parties that applications were now being accepted for the “organized labor” seat on the LA/LB HSC – with the terms of the current representative and alternate expiring in April of next year.  The application period will run through COB on February 28th. Copies of the HSC application form can be downloaded from the Internet by going to: www.dfg.ca.gov/Ospr/appform.pdf  .  All completed applications should be mailed to:  Mr. Jim Rolin, DFG/OSPR, 4665 Lampson Ave; Suite “C”; Los Alamitos, CA 90720 --on or before the deadline mentioned above.  If you have any questions concerning this procedure, you may contact Mr. Rolin at OSPR – Tel: 562-598-4291; or e-mail: jrolin@ospr.dfg.gov.ca  .

                        (2)  Mr. Jim Rolin reported that OSPR was continuing its program of conducting “unannounced drills” for testing the response and action taken by the various OSRO’s in the region. These “unannounced drills” have, for the most part, been successfully carried out by the “targeted” organizations.   OSPR is also exploring better ways for handling the spills generated by “derelict vessels” in the harbor.  Under current laws, the Calif. Dept. of Boating & Waterways will pay for up to 90% the expense for removing a derelict vessel from the harbor area.  The local port authorities must cover the final 10% of the expense.      

                         (3)  On December 10th, at the local OSPR office in Los Alamitos, there will be a workshop for “mobile transfer unit operators” (MTUO), and all interested parties are encouraged to attend. (See address and phone & e-mail info above).  All local MTUO’s have been notified of this workshop and invited to attend.

                        (4)  Mr. Rolin also expressed appreciation and thanks to the MX-VTS, the USCG, and the two pilot organizations (on behalf of OSPR) for their outstanding performances (individually and collectively) during the ship congestion periods we’ve suffered here at LA/LB Harbor recently. 

(E)   Update on California State Lands Commission Activities:   

Mr. Kevin Mercer reported that the CSLC‘s proposed “security regulations for marine oil transfer terminals” have been promulgated to the industry for feedback and comments.  Deadline for submissions is December 16th, for formal adoption by CSLC, after which the proposed security regulations go to the OAL for review.  Hopefully, the new regs will hit the street sometime in early January.  He also extended compliments and commendations to the MX-VTS, the USCG, the LA/LB HSC, and the two pilot organizations for their handling of the “congestion crisis” at the ports of LA & LB in recent months. 

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

Mr. Jim Fields (and staff) reported that the USACE would be moving forward with the POLA main channel-deepening project, which will begin soon.  This dredging project will run for two years, and will bring the POLA main channel down to (-) 50 feet.  A large aerial photo of the port complex was used to demonstrate and explain the work areas.  There is a monthly “safety meeting” conducted by the USACE on every third Thursday, at 1300, and held at their Fish Harbor offices.  Anyone may attend to express their concerns or to get information of the current dredging operation.  Capt. Morgan (POLA Pilots) added that a “fast fax” goes out each morning from the USCG (to those interested in receiving same) listing all the dredging equipment and pipeline locations, work schedules, shifting schedules, etc. for the next 24 hours.   Contact the USC if you want to receive those faxes.   Also, anyone desiring a copy of the surveys completed by the USACE can obtain them via mail or e-mail – contact Mr. Fields at 213-452-3403 or e-mail: jfields@spl.usace.army.mil .

ITEM III -- NEW  BUSINESS:    

(A) 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 POLB, beginning at 1300 today, here at the POLB Admin. Bldg. (6th Fl Executive Conference Room).  All interested parties are encouraged to be there. This panel has met on four occasions during the past few months to address several important issues (copies of minutes have been distributed to all interested parties). The primary issue being considered by this panel is a review of the safety guidelines and “standards of care” for vessel operations in limited visibility.

 (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).  A “working group” from the CALMITSAC panel is meeting today to draft an “infrastructure needs lest” for California ports.  That will be reported on at the next meeting.

                        (3) S/C # 3 – Capt. Jim Morgan, (Acting 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. The panel successfully addressed several points at that session, as outline in the minutes. LCDR Dan Kane, USCG has had to step down as Chair of this panel, due to legal restrictions outline by the USCG’s attorneys

(B)    Other New Business:

                          (1) Captain Morgan announced that the HSC’s leadership has recommended that S/C # 2 and S/C #3 be “merged” into a new S/C #2, which will be named “Planning and Communications” to address those issues for the future.  Captain Morgan moved, seconded by Stephan Mueller-Dombois, that the LA/LB HSC approve and adopt this merger of S/C # 2 and S/C #3; further, that Capt. Bent Christiansen be appointed to Chair this new panel; motion carried unanimously by a show of hands from voting members.   The next meeting of this group will be held today, in the Executive Conference Room on the 6th floor of the POLB Admin. Bldg, immediately following S/C # 1 meeting.  All interested parties are encouraged to attend.  Capt. Morgan indicated that the focus for discussions this afternoon would be the pursuit of information brochures for use by recreational boaters, covering both navigation safety issues, and communications procedures.  Samples of brochures used in the San Francisco Bay area will be studied for application and format for producing one here in LA/LB Harbor. 

                          (2) Captain Aschemeyer distributed an e-mail from LCDR Greg Case (USCG in DC), asking for input on the matter of “unshielded excessively bright lights in port” that may (or may not) be a problem for the users here at LA/LB Harbor. This situation is apparently being pursued vigorously by the State of Virginia back east.  Chairman Strong offered to bring this matter before his S/C #1 (Navigation Safety) at their meeting this afternoon to determine if this issue is, in fact, one of concern for us here.  LCDR Case would like a response from us at the earliest.    

                          (3)  Capt. Aschemeyer reminded the members that there is still a vacant seat open for the LA/LB HSC (above & beyond the upcoming vacancy for the “organized labor” seat that was announced earlier), which was part of the five “at large seats” granted us by OSPR to fill specific constituencies deemed appropriate for inclusion on the LA/LB HSC panel.  Mr. Jim Rolin (OSPR) reminded everyone that, prior to the Summer break, the LA/LB HSC had discussed the possibility of offering that final “at large seat” to a representative of the “marine oil terminals” constituency – as that was a group that should be represented.  Mr. Kevin Mercer (CSLC) strongly endorsed the idea for giving representation to the marine oil terminals on the LA/LB HSC, since they are one of the key player groups involved with oil spill prevention and response.  Mr. Rolin stated that it would be proper and prudent for the LA/LB HSC to take a vote on designating the “at large seat” for “marine oil terminals” – if, in fact, that is what this committee desires to broaden the constituency represented by the group.  After some additional discussion and deliberation amongst the panel, motion was made by Mr. Jeff Browning, seconded by Capt. Ray Lyman, for the LA/LB HSC to designate the remaining “at large seat” to be filled by a representative from the marine oil terminals, with such recommendation going to the OSPR Administrator for his advice and guidance; motion carried unanimously by a show of hands from the voting members – save one “abstention” by Capt. Jim Morgan, representing the Port of L.A, who declined to cast a vote on this issue.

                          (4) Capt. Aschemeyer mentioned that there had been informal discussions with the OSPR Administrator for allowing a representative from the CSLC (Marine Terminals Facilities Div.) to sit on the LA/LB HSC as a “non-appointed, non-voting liaison member”.  This would provide the committee with direct representation on the panel by CSLC, much like the procedure for including other government agencies on the panel – like the USCG, USN, and the USACE.  There was general consensus that this matter was something to be pursued soon.                           

ITEM  IV -- QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:        

Mr. Jim Bobbitt (BP-ARCO) stated that the marine oil terminals for this region did, in fact, desire to be represented on the LA/LB HSC for the future.  He added that a formal letter from WSPA (Western States Petroleum Assoc.) would be forthcoming to the LA/LB HSC, confirming that desire and intent in writing. 

ITEM V -- MEETING SCHEDULE:

The next regular meeting for the LA/LB HSC will be held on Thursday FEBRUARY 6th 2003, at the Port of Los Angeles Admin. Building, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (breakfast reception). Announcements and materials will be mailed out to all interested parties in late January. 

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 11:01 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

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

Harbor Safety Committee  “Local CG” Briefing (12/04/02)

Notable Incidents

M/V MOL VELOCITY Allision w/ LA Pier 132: On Dec 1, the container ship damaged a 750’ section of the pier and suffered some structural damage to bulbous bow.  The vessel departed port following satisfactory temporary repairs pending permanent repairs scheduled for dry-dock period in March. The incident is currently under Coast Guard investigation.

Minor Fuel Spill at Pier J Berth #236:  On 20 Nov, a Manson Construction pile driver experienced a ruptured fuel line. Approximately 2 gallons of fuel spilled into the water which was quickly recovered.

Minor Hazardous Material Incident at Yusen Terminal:  On 20 Nov during a routine container inspection, a drum that had leaked Diethylanillne was discovered.  The leak was confined to the top of a drum and was quickly and appropriately cleaned up.

Minor Hazardous Material Incident at Pier F:  On 18 Nov, a container was discovered leaking Cyclopolydimethylsiloxane. The container was moved to a safe staging area within secondary containment. An appropriate cleanup was conducted and the container repacked.

M/V PRESIDENT POLK Lost 4 Containers Overboard at LA Berth 303:  On 14 Nov, while at the APL terminal, 2 empty, one w/ plastics and another w/ mixed goods fell overboard.  None of the containers contained Hazardous Material.  The containers were pushed along side the pier by a Crowley Tug. Three remained afloat and were hooked to a gantry crane to prevent them from sinking.  One container sank. The Channel remained clear and vessel traffic was unaffected.  All containers were later successfully recovered.

Passenger Ferry CATALINA EXPLORER Experienced Propulsion Casualty:  On 2 Nov, while 4 NM SSW of the Long Beach Sea Buoy, the passenger ferry experienced a crack the their fuel line.  There were no passengers onboard at the time. Repairs were completed after approximately 2 hours and the vessel returned to port without incident.

Tug MARSHALL FOSS Inadvertently Damaged Heim Bridge Fendering System:  On 1 Nov, the tractor tug stationed itself in the transverse arrest mode which exposed the fendering system to a focused, lateral wash which damaged the mid-section of the fendering systems. Currently, repairs are underway.

M/V CSCL INDUS Diverted From Traffic Lanes:  On 1 Nov, 13 NM West of Palos Verdes Pt, the outbound container ship departed to traffic lanes to effect repairs to the main engine raw water cooling pump.  After approximately 4 hours, the vessel reported repairs complete and the vessel proceeded w/ out further incident.

M/V EVER UNIFIC Lost 5 Containers Overboard at LA Berth 230: On 30 Oct, while at the Evergreen terminal, 5 containers fell over the side. Four containers were quickly recovered and 1 sank to the bottom of the channel near the dock. None of the containers contained hazardous material.  All containers were later successfully recovered.

M/V ELATION Experienced Reduced Propulsion:  On 27 Oct, the cruise ship arrived in Los Angeles with an inoperative port Azipod under the escort/assist of two tractor tugs.  After disembarking passengers, the vessel departed w/ one tug escort enroute San Francisco for emergency dry-dock. 

M/V CSCL Rotterdam Lost 2 Containers Overboard at LA Berth 126:  On 25 Oct, two empty containers fell over the side and sank. Vessel movements was halted for the area around berth until the containers were marked and retrieved.

Various Items of Interest

S/V MYSTERY III Sank Inside the Long Beach Breakwall:   On Nov 28th , the recreational vessel reporting going on the rocks at the east end of the Long Beach breakwall.  Long beach and Hunting Harbor lifeguards responded and took the vessel in tow and attempted to de-water the vessel with negative results. The vessel sank in 28ft of water, with 4ft of the mast remaining above water at high tide. The obstruction has been marked.

Protesters Delayed Vessel from Getting Underway:  On 2 Oct, the M/V Alicante Carrier was delayed from getting underway by longshoremen who cabled the mooring lines to the cleats and to a nearby vessel.  Approximately 40 police officers in riot gear de-escalated the situation and convinced the longshoremen to remove the cables, but Del Monte called off the evolution in the interest of safety.  The vessel later departed w/out incident.

Dredging LA Main Channel:  Four elements of this project are underway. The construction of the Pier 400 submerged material storage site, construction of the South West Slip landfill and the removal of fill material from Pier 400 to the Pier 400 submerged material storage site by tug and barge. The fourth element, the Great Lakes hopper dredge "Sugar Island" is scheduled to start in the East Basin on the 15th of December. The pump out site is located at the northeast tip of Pier 300. The pipe line runs from the pump out site to the Eelgrass Restoration Fill Area north of Pier 300, (seaplane lagoon).  This dredge element is expected to last thirty days.

Carnival Cruise Ship Pier Construction: Traylor Pacific is constructing the new pier and should be complete at the end of December 2002.

Pier J Construction: Manson Construction expects Pier J Construction to continue until December 2003. The pier construction has started and involves waterside pile driving.

LA Berth 100: The four cranes have been delivered. The legal system is at work for the people to try and keep them from working.

Alamitos Bay Dredging: Maintenance dredging is being conducted within the entrance jetties and will continue until 15 March 2003.

Commodore Heim Bridge: The fendering system is being repaired. This operation is being conducted from 1900 to 0500 Monday thru Friday. This restricts the safe navigational distance under the bridge from 180ft to 120ft during these work hours. The barge is removed from under the bridge during off hours. The work is scheduled to be complete by 28 February 2003.