FULL Cttee
- USCG
- FLEET WEEK- will be held the week of May 23, and we are now expecting 18 ships, which will be berthing in Brooklyn, Staten Island, NYC, and Jersey City.
The “usual” restrictions will be in force, with detail to be published by USCG. We are pleased to note that this year’s parade of ships will be led by 4 tugs from our local harbor.
- The USCG training vessel EAGLE will visit NY/NJ on August 5. More detail to follow.
- Noted that USCG has received a petition to eliminate the RNA behind Liberty and Ellis Islands to allow vessel traffic. USCG will have a public notice period to receive comments. The petition seeks to allow recreational and other small craft to proceed behind the Islands and avoid going into the commercial channels. USCG will seek public comment.
- Noted that the Hudson River Anchorages petition is still under study in District 1, and it is hoped that the petition will proceed smoothly. Public comment is encouraged to support this petition.
- AMERICA’s CUP proceeded as planned, and it was estimated that there were approx 175,000 spectators. USCG and other enforcement agencies were on hand to control vessel traffic, and there was no report of any adverse impact on commercial navigation.
- It was confirmed that the USCG Foundation Scholarship Golf Outing would be held on 22 May, 2016 at the South Shore Country Club. The event was a big success with over $20,000.00 raised to benefit scholarships for USCG dependents. McAllister Towing was the sponsoring organization for the event.
- Noted that July 6, 2016 would be the last day that CDR Moose would be working with Sector NY before moving to his new assignment at USCG NAVCEN in Alexandria, Va. All parties wished him success in his new position.
- CAPT Day advised that due to annual turnover in Sector NY, a meet-and-greet will be held on 9 Sept, 2016 at Sector NY to allow introductions and familiarization between the maritime community and “new” Sector NY personnel. More detail to follow.
- USACE
- Discussed the application to place 4 barge mooring buoys in the area, and noted that the application to place 1 buoy near Ellis Island has been withdrawn. Public comment period is closed (MAPONY/NJ DID submit comments in favor of allowing the permit)
- The NYC Ferry permit applications are OK, but no application was made for the initially considered 62nd St landing. Public comment period will be announced soon.
- 50 foot channel-plan –removal of the water siphon is scheduled for 2 June, excavation will begin 15 June, and navigational clearance is expected by late July.
- USACE has received funding to remove derelict barges in Flushing Bay Creek, and now scheduling/contracting with operator. Removal is expected within 1-2 weeks.
- Maintenance work continues in Newark Bay, and East River near South Brothers Island.
- PANYNJ
- PORTS will be funded through the year 2020
- PA berths will be dredged to remove approx 250K cu. yd. Work will be done between June and the end of 2016. Updates to come.
- PA will attempt to obtain approx $55 Million under provisions of WRDA 2016 legislation which will be used for dredging
- NJDOT-MARINE RESOURCES
- Discussion of the ULCV simulation/training program. Noted that several pilots have visited US West Coast ports to ride ULCVs and discuss handling requirements with USWC pilots. Phase I of the training/simulation program will begin in June at MITAGS. Phase II will be to share training with ALL pilots.
- NJDOT is initiating a second contaminant reduction program with the intent of finding ways to reduce the cost of dredged material management.
- NYSA
- Advised that Hugh Marley was replacing Joe Bonney at the JOC with Joe relocating to NOLA. (NOTE: EJK met with Hugh on 9 May, 2016 to make introductions and offer MAPONY/NJ coordination/information function)
- NYCEDC
- Reported the release of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR joint permit application guide.
- Expanded NYC Ferry hearings will be scheduled. Further info at: www.citywideferries@edc.com
- MAPONY/NJ
- Reported on matters separately reported under MARITIME MATTERS.
- PRESENTATION-USCG-NAVCEN
- Representatives of USCG Navigation Center (NAVCEN) located in Alexandria reported on the function of the Center.
- NAVCEN handles such critical operations as: GPS; Nationwide Automated ID System (NAIS);Nationwide Differential GPS; Local Notice To Mariners; Long Range ID and Tracking (LRIT); US Aids to Navigation Information Management System; and the USCG Electronic Chart Portfolio Management function.
- Noted that CDR Elliot Moose will move from Sector NY to NAVCEN in July, 2016
- Further info available at: www.navcen.uscg.gov
- PRESENTATION-NYS Marine Highway Transportation Co.
- Mr. Rob Goldman made a presentation describing the business plan of NYS MHT Co.
- Currently seeking 2 new moorings in Bay Ridge Flats anchorage area.
- Plan to use 20 inland hopper barges to move aprox 500,000 ts of aggregate over the course of a 5 year contract.
- Needs moorings to break down tows
- Moorings are located within the anchorage area, and may be considered preferable over anchoring due to predictability of location, security, and less bottom impact due to reduced dragging and anchor strikes.
- Passenger Vessel Sub-Cttee
- Noted that due to increased incidence of “rail jumpers” a $5,000.00 fine has been issued to a “repeat offender”. Posters advising of the potential fines will be conspicuously posted.
- Discussion of incident where a heavily loaded canoe from a nearby Boathouse program which contained children was “flipped” by the wake of a tug/barge in Newtown Creek. Harbor Ops had previously advised against such operations.
- Energy Sub-Cttee
- Report that the SFO pilots advised that a cable similar to that proposed for usage in the CHPE project was snagged by an anchor in SFO Bay. It was also found that the cable had been “scoured” and was uncovered. This incident should be considered in the USACE permit process.
- Deep Draft Working Group
- Advised that revised deep draft guidelines will be published after siphon removal, and evaluation of the ULCV simulation project.
- Tug & Barge Cttee
- Noted the Annual Meeting to be held on 11 May, 2016
- Noted that 4 local tugs will lead the Fleet Week parade of ships
- There will be an Informational Day on 2 June in Brooklyn.
NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD 15 JUNE, 2016.