Effective 11 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2016, the Captain of the Port has set Modified Port Condition IV in the Ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina.Click here to read MSIB 077-16 for detailed operating restrictions.
Storm Update - Oct. 4, 2016
Effective 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 4, 2016, the Captain of the Port has set Hurricane Condition Whiskey in the Ports of Fernandina and Jacksonville.Click here to read Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 072-16 for more info.
Captain's Corner: Marine Events
This Captain’s Corner is brought to you by LT Steve Sharp, Chief of Sector Jacksonville’s Waterways Management Division. This article was one of Steve’s last projects before departing the Coast Guard for other opportunities in the maritime community – I wish Steve the best as he continues his professional career. Steve will be replaced by LT Scott Bleiken for the next several months, and may be contacted for more information on marine events. As always, if you have recommendations for future topics, we would appreciate your input. See you in the port!- CAPT Tom Allan
Marine Events
By LT Steve Sharp, Chief of Sector Jacksonville’s Waterways Management DivisionIn the ports of Fernandina, Jacksonville, and Canaveral, as well as in the surrounding navigable waterways, well over a hundred marine events occur within a given year. As stewards of maritime safety and security, the Waterways Management (WWM) Division at Sector Jacksonville evaluates applications on an annual basis, but since not all events require a Coast Guard issued permit, the question is what constitutes a marine event?A marine event is an organized water event of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule, and which presents an extra unusual hazard to the safety of life that cannot be protected against by existing Navigational rules. Common examples of events include power boat races, boat parades, and regattas.For events meeting the aforementioned criteria, the Coast Guard takes measures to increase maritime awareness through issuance of Local Notice to Mariners and Safety Marine Information Broadcasts. In addition, after careful evaluation of all potential environmental impacts with partner agencies, the WWM Division will create a special local regulation to appear under 33 Code of Federal Regulations 100.701. In the case of fireworks in a high traffic area or an air show, a safety zone will be established versus a special local regulation in support of the marine event.Due to the potentially extensive consultation and evaluation of an application, submission timelines are 135 days prior to new events and 60 days prior to reoccurring events. The “Six Stage Permit Review Process” consists of:
- Application Submission
- Administrative Review
- Safety Review
- Environmental Review
- Permit Issuance
- Monitor & Document (execution of Marine Event)
A major upcoming marine event under review includes the first annual Jacksonville Grand Prix of the Seas to take place in June 2014. This event will require coordination among the Coast Guard, Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and City of Jacksonville representatives. Races will take place on a 2.1 mile lap course, ranging from super stock boats to personal watercraft near Memorial Park on the St. Johns River.So when does an organization need a marine event permit? Well, if you or an organizer answers “YES” to any of the following questions, a permit may be required:
- Is your event being held on or near the navigable waters of the United States?
- Will the event take place in or near a designated environmentally sensitive area, a critical habitat containing threatened or endangered species or an area of historic, cultural, or archeological significance?
- Does the event involve an inherently hazardous competition? (Example: A speed boat race with vessels traveling greater than 30 miles per hour)
- Could the event cause any obstructions of the navigable channel or change the customary presence of commercial or pleasure craft in the area.
- Is there an expected accumulation of spectator craft?
- Could the event present a substantial threat to the safety of human life on navigable waters?
- Are you requesting the use of Coast Guard resources or the issuance of a special local regulation or safety zone?
If you answered yes, and now need to submit an application for a marine event permit, you can do so by completing the form on this web page and submitting it to the WWM division.Questions or concerns about the marine event permit process may be directed to the Sector Jacksonville Waterways Management Division at (904) 564-7500, ext 7701.
Captain's Corner: LNG
This Captain’s Corner is brought to you by LCDR Robert S. Butts, USCG, Retired. Rob retired from active duty last December after 23 years of service and is now serving as a civilian employee responsible for the Uninspected Vessel Branch. In addition to his primary duties, Rob is also the subject matter expert for the Sector on the safe and secure use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in the port. If you have not yet heard, natural gas and LNG is projected to become a major source of energy in our region, and Rob is working hard to ensure we are ready. As always, if you have recommendations for future topics, we would appreciate your input. See you in the port!- CAPT Tom Allan
LNG: Are you ready?
By LCDR Robert S. Butts, USCG, RetiredI recently attended the LNG Fuel Forum-North America in Miami, Florida, and was not surprised to hear Mr. Gary Van Tassel, Senior Vice President, LNG Technical, Argent Marine Management say, “Jacksonville, Florida is the hub of LNG activity.” That statement and the associated international attention has been building for quite some time and is the result of the environmental stewardship of two companies that operate right here in our port: TOTE, Inc’s Sea Star Line and Crowley Maritime Corp. These two visionary companies independently set a course to design, build and operate United States registered ships propelled by natural gas - specifically LNG. By using LNG as a source of energy, it is expected these companies will substantially reduce the use of marine fuel oil onboard these vessels, while simultaneously reducing the amount of carbon emissions, sulfur emissions, and nitrogen oxide emissions when they transit the North American Emission Control Area.There is also an abundant flurry of efforts in other transportation segments in Northeast Florida to expand the use of natural gas as a source of energy. So much so, we spearheaded a Northeast Florida Regional Natural Gas panel discussion at Jacksonville University in partnership with the JAX Chamber of Commerce, JAXPORT, and the Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange (JMTX). The purpose of the panel discussion was to assemble the region’s senior leadership, government agencies, and those companies developing natural gas to collectively meet and discuss common efforts, roles and interests to expand the safe and secure use of natural gas in our region. Of those 80 persons assembled, we recognized three key elements for the continued successful expansion of natural gas and LNG in our region: education, demand, and infrastructure. Therefore, I invite you to learn more about the region’s natural gas efforts and the use of LNG by reading the Winter edition of JAXPORT Magazine. The JAXPORT Magazine staff has done a fantastic job outlining how Northeast Florida shippers are pioneering a cleaner fuel revolution.The further development of natural gas and the introduction of LNG as an energy source is an exciting endeavor and Jacksonville, Florida is said to be the hub of that activity due to the vision and investment of TOTE, Inc. and Crowley Maritime Corp. As the leading federal regulatory agency responsible for the safety and security of waterfront facilities and vessels, we are pleased to partner and coordinate with the JAX Chamber, JAXPORT, JMTX and each company who intends to make, store, transport and ultimately use natural gas and LNG as an energy source. Semper Paratus!Featured image by U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Jorgensen
Gov. Scott honors Propeller Club Port of Jacksonville
Florida Governor Rick Scott recently sent a letter to Propeller Club Port of Jacksonville President Jim Gillen, honoring the club for its work to grow the economy and enhance the Northeast Florida community.Presented is an excerpt:[testimonial name="Gov. Rick Scott" job_title="State of Florida" size="medium" type="quote"]Congratulations on Propeller Club, Port of Jacksonville recently being included in the Jacksonville Business Journal's list of top professional and trade organizations. You are to be commended for building an organization that has become recognizable within your community for 83 years.[/testimonial]Click to read the full letter.Photo credit: Meredith Fordham Hughes, JAXPORT
