Minutes of the November 7, 2014 Meeting

LONE STAR HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE

On Friday November 7, 2014 at 10:10 AM, members of the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee (LSHSC) gathered for the Committee’s twelfth meeting. The meeting was held at USCG Sector Houston Galveston, 13411 Hillard Street, Houston, TX 77034. The published agenda is included: enclosure (1).

CALL TO ORDER – 10:15 A.M.

Committee Chairman (Chair), Capt. John Peterlin III called the meeting to order. Executive Secretary, Kelly Teichman performed the Roll Call. 15Members of the Board were present; a satisfactory Quorum was established. LCDR Navin Griffin, USCG, performed the safety brief for the attendees.

OPENING REMARKS BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Committee Chair, Capt. John Peterlin, welcomed the CommitteeMembers and the participants. The members and attendees briefly introduced themselves. The Chair then made opening remarks.Capt. Peterlin stated that it had been an eventful quarter since the last LSHSC meeting in August for the port. Capt. Peterlin thanked the sub-committee Chairs for all their hard work and efforts even though he was unable to attend all the meetings. Recently the committee has been very active with the youth expo, Dredge Your Docks, EBOLA issues, and Brownwater University. The Chair welcomed all the attendees and thanked the USCG for the use of the meeting room.

CAPTAIN OF THE PORT OVERVIEW AND WELCOMING REMARKS

Captain Brian Penoyer, USCG, Sector Commanding Officer and COTP,started his remarks with a welcome to SE Houston and Sector Houston Galveston, which are paraphrased as follows: The meeting today is in the training room for the USCG and training takes place at Sector Houston Galveston every day and continues to evolve with the restraints in the budgeting process at this time. Sector Houston Galveston made the decision to invest in this new building and will continue to make investments and are still ordering equipment necessary to achieve this goal. CAPT Penoyer requested that all the attendees think about what the USCG could do to improve and relay that back to the Sector. CAPT Penoyer then thanked the attendees again for taking time to attend the meeting and is looking forward to the rededication of the Houston Ship Channel ceremony to be held in February 2015.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Enclosures will be available on the website. Motion to approve minutes was made by Bob Laine with a second from David Casebeer. Motion passed with no objections.

USCG ACTIONS PERTAINING TO THE EBOLA VIRUS – Captain Brian Penoyer, USCG

CAPT Penoyer briefed the committee on the actions and events surrounding the arrival of the CARNIVAL MAGIC at the Port of Galveston as it relates to the EBOLA scare from one of the passengers. Following are CAPT Penoyer’s paraphrased comments and observations.

The event occurred approximately two weeks ago resulting in an update to MSIB 14-14 (change 1). This MSIB is not solely related to EBOLA and contains a list of diseases that mariners are REQUIRED to report to the CDC. If the disease causes an unsafe condition on board the vessel then it is REQUIRED to be reported to the USCG. As new information and events evolve the USCG will add additional layers to USCG actions. At this time additional screening is required for vessels transiting from the three affected countries, or that have traveled to the three affected countries in the last five voyages. The maritime industry is unique in that the USCG is aware in advance that they are coming and CDC surveillance questionnaires are submitted and we have time to prepare if needed. The question of “Is anyone sick” can be asked and the CDC notified. This procedure is not just for EBOLA. If the symptoms warrant concern then quarantine measures can be implemented by the USCG. The USCG will activate a HAZMAT-like response team to initiate deck barge platform with the CDC responsible for medical treatment with USCG support. There have not been any confirmed EBOLA cases from maritime vessels at this time.

The good news? Transit time for vessels originating from the three affected countries is approximately 21 days with the onset of EBOLA symptomsexpected within 8- 10 days. Given the transit timeframe, by the time vessels reach our port they are outside of the window for exhibiting symptoms. Therefore, the marine environment is not like the airport scenarios that are portrayed in the media and the reason why the CDC is not meeting vessels as they arrive. If there are symptoms of EBOLA onboard vessels we will know and know this in advance. Also, the screening process that is in place, in addition to the 24 hour arrival notice, allows the USCG to protect all interest stateside (pilots etc.). If any issues arise the Federal Government will respond utilizing the Unified Command structure. This response has been proven effective numerous times both locally and nationally.

After the MAGIC event there were some recalibrations made for procedures. The event involved a passenger that had carried a tray with fluid in vials that tested positive for the EBOLA virus. As this fact became known the CDC expanded their process and upgraded response to the same as nurses that administered to EBOLA patients. The passenger on the MAGIC was fine until halfway through the voyage and as a result of the updated process of the CDC, the USCG, Emergency Management for the City of Galveston, Pilots, and the Port of Galveston initiated a Unified Command response which included “science-based” reasoning realizing this was a “canary in the coal mine” scenario. The USCG flew out medical equipment and three doctors to the vessel to perform CDC compliant procedures for blood draw. The USCG then flew the shipment of blood with proper packaging back to Ellington and a fixed-wing airplane flew the samples to Austin for testing as requested by the State. We knew this was a low risk operation and had a plan in place and can report that it was the most expensive transport for a vial. This was a confidence building exercise for all participants and stakeholders for both managing a health risk and reassuring the public. As the vessel came into cell phone range UTMB was flooded with calls from vessel passengers to arrange exams for the EBOLA virus. I can report that all of these exams were cancelled by the passengers. We hit a home run when informing and educating the public and for the first time it went right. I hope that this event highlighted that we are prepared and protecting the public.

Captain Penoyer thanked all participants of this event and stated that this response illustrated how we work. The event made us stronger and better and gained national attention. There is still work to be done as there are 18 other diseases on the list and chances are we will encounter one of these before it is over. We moved the ball down the field with this response and the USCG continues to have dialog to make sure the playbook is correct. Captain Penoyer stated that he is receiving calls to see how National Policy should be set as a result of this event.

The CDC has a staffing shortage at this time with one representative for six states.

Remarks/Questions:

A committee member requested that the USCG issue an effective date with all MSIBs in order for the industry to ensure that they have the most up-to-date MSIB in effect and issued. The USCG has performed a review of all MSIBs and has dated them as well as inserted an expiration date. The first MSIB was issued August 2014 and we were the first port to issue and this has become the basis nationwide for the USCG.

Onset of symptoms at dock or terminal – what happens? There will be a “no move” order issued. Only the CDC can determine health risk NOT the USCG. Facility owner and the “no move” order – how long will this be issued? The USCG understands the burden on the facility/dock and it would then become an issue of how to move the vessel. The public would understandably want the vessel out of our waters. There has been a meeting concerning PPE and proper procedures for EBOLA in order to get the ship out without harming stakeholders (pilots). Need to approach with science-based information and confidence building for the stakeholders involved. The best place for victims is a hospital setting and theory is to hold the vessel at dock until personnel affected can be safely and properly removed.

Chair, Capt. Peterlin, stated that this challenge has set the bar for the nation.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Maritime Education – Presented by Ms. Tammy Lobaugh
The Maritime Education subcommittee report is enclosed: enclosure (2).
Assess the sub-committee and actions to ensure we are meeting our mission statement.
The committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 11:30 AM. Need to ensure that we have a variety of participants. Are looking at a 6-week meeting schedule as opposed to monthly as most is on auto-pilot at this time. Everyone is welcome to attend the sub-committee meetings.
Promote Brownwater University, youth expo. The sub-committee is supporting events and helping to get the word out about the events.
National Maritime Day in Galveston May 22, 2014 a great opportunity for the sub-committee with exhibition of vessels and equipment. Will streamline process at the next event and have an essay contest for maritime high school students.
Essay for the five maritime high schools will centeron a commodity that is transported through the maritime industry and the students will have to base the essay on the supply chain. Timeline for the essay is January 2015 with awards in April 2015. Still looking at ways in which to highlight the award winners and finalists.
Encouraging industry to share job postings,internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities, which can be posted on committee website.
Philip Kropf and USCG have been sharing valuable information to recreational boaters regarding closures, traffic conditions, and dredging projects. You can see the postings on

Navigation Operations- Mr. David Foret
The Navigation Operations report not given at this time as Mr. Foret is traveling.
Next meeting is December 12, 2014 at the Port of Houston.

3. Waterways Utilization – presented by Captain JJ Plunkett, USCG (ret.)

a.The Waterways Utilization report is enclosed: enclosure (4).

CAPT Penoyer complimented the Terminal and Ship Traffic Efficiency Group. We have to have this! If the PCT works this effort can work. Need to run the Port at low risk. The Port Authority is helping on this effort.
Brownwater University held again this year with great success and thanks to the Houston Pilots for making their training room available.
Challenge for the USCG Sector Houston Galveston is GIWW from Lake Charles to Freeport being looked at as a complex. This is a daunting concept but we are fortunate to have the 8th District Commander that has knowledge of the area. The Admiral will be retiring this upcoming summer.

ADHOC Joint Blue and Brown Water Sub-Committee
Four Recommendations
Meet on a regular schedule (only two meetings so far).
Look at VHF Protocols
Start up and closure of transits at this time brownwater embedded in VTS need to get bluewater representation.
Joint Training – Harbor Tugs, Pilots and Bunkering vessels.

Status of recent incident and reports: Formal investigation remains open. The complete report with recommendations is currently being reviewed by ADM Cook and then must be sent to Headquarters prior to release. The NTSB also has a report to coordinate. We can expect to see safety recommendations prior to the official release of the report. Need to refresh 2009 PAWS Assessment and standby for safety recommendations.
The third leg of the process is the Pilots Review Board Report.
All reports had differing objectives with the report (NTSB (safety), USCG (Causal Factors) and Pilots (Pilot specific)).
Recommendation made that a Pilot be made available to join the sub-committee and help develop simulator training and be embedded in the VTS. CAPT Morris reported that the next meeting will be Tuesday the 11th with the Pilots to discuss communications and traffic.

Dredging & Marine Construction –Mr. David Casebeer

The Dredging and Marine Construction report is enclosed: enclosure (5).

Have had the meetings since the last meeting of the LSHSC.
Port dredging is progressing. Barbours Cut almost complete.
There is some confusion on work plan schedules and milestone dates.
The first public meeting was held last Thursday for dredging progress which included presentations and feedback for port dredging. Information can be found at deepingportofhouston.com.
Tricia Campbell provided Federal Dredging contracts information.
There are two dredging conferences: Dredging Your Docks (annual conference) with 180 participants.
CAPT Penoyer stated that he was unable to attend but had gotten the report that it was successful. He further stated that he had worked in other areas and that in Texas we had good communications. The USCG normally does not deal in the water to bottom interface but with maintaining vessel buoyancy. He also discussed traffic along the GIWW and maintaining channel depth. To get the USACE to contact users of the channel in order to determine the effect of “light loading” cargo to accommodate shallow (below maintenance depth) for the industry to help with the economics of the Houston ship Channel study. SAFETY aspect as important as efficiency.
The next meeting will be December 12th at the Port of Houston Training Room.
Question from the committee – Presentations? Issues surrounding hurricanes and water that creates both sediment build up in the channel as well as debris causing the need to “light load” – How can we expedite the maintenance process? The 2008 Dredging Your Docks Conference addressed this issue. On average maintenance costs for downtime due to “trash” is 27 percent but this could be higher.
Would like to thank Philip and David for the information on Bayport as this is a major crossing point for commercial and recreational traffic. This was a great presentation.

Facility Access – Rev Dr. Ben H. Stewart III

The Dredging and Marine Construction report is enclosed: enclosure (5).

Have met once and have communicated through emails.
Seafarer Access – determined that there is no real barriers and access to and from vessels is taking place in a timely manner. There is a system in place for drop off and pick up at the facilities and have vetted Taxi Company that meets the USCG mandate.
At this time 80% of facilities are in compliance with the mandate. Of the five facilities that do not meet the mandate a transportation company must be hired at great expense. This illustrates that transportation through the Seaman’s Church is vital.

REMARKS BY SECTOR HOUSTON-GALVESTON PERSONNEL

Waterways Management- presented by LCDR Navin Griffin.
Have had a couple of close calls with AToNs.
MSIB release for EBOLA and explosives.
Reducing the size of Aids in order to provide for flexibility of moving when necessary.

Area Maritime Security Committee –
Plan review is finalized.
Have released the plan.
Security Exercise one week ago.
New communications plan to better explain to non-traditional stakeholders what is in the plan and how it affects them. Need to reach non-maritime stakeholders. Plan addresses this.
There is a lot of good material in the plan which can be accessed on Homeport webpage. Information on Cyber Security and EBOLA (to name a few) in the Annex.

Area Committee-
Wrapping up a very busy year.
Inclusion of all lessons learned from recent incident along with ideas from the response effort.
Validation of the ACP – Buffalo 292 initial starting point for this and the old One Gulf Plan. At this time we have our own plan but there is a lot of the GIWW that needs to have additional detail added. This is no small lift. Biggest accomplishment is the pre-approval process for ship cleaning stations – lift and float products. The RRT liked this plan and approved. We are the only place in the nation that has this pre-approval. With this concept we can concentrate on the when, how, why and allow for some measure of vessel hull oiling and then allow for hull cleaning when necessary. How this will be implemented in the future is unknown.
VTS Update- Steve Nerheim
VTS thanked Brownwater University for their continued inclusion of the VTS. Available spots for the last BWU filled quickly and was a success. The next BWU is scheduled for February 2015.
EBOLA – adapt to procedures
Ready to perform PAWS Assessment again if needed. VTS adding 4th Sector Operator which has already been pointed out – missing component is people. Additional 3rd geographical area. VTS needs help and advice on boundaries and checkpoints.
Have three D8 Waivers since the late 90’s. 1) 15 minute advance for sail plan, 2) Sail plan not required for ferries, and 3) Exempts operators from maintaining guard on VTS frequency ONLY monitor. VTS is looking at these waivers and would like to eliminate. Looking to feedback and input from the industry.
Watchstanders are meeting on internal and well as external issues.
ADHOC group to help advise VTS.
Some issues involve staffing and some do not.
Administrative updates – establish reporting points and run for a few months and then evaluate administrative changes.
Larger ships a problem in the past however, protocols were put in place and the process still works.
Dredging coordination still works well. Dredging operations tend to make watchstanders a little nervous however we have good communications – VTS thanks all vessels, operators, pilots and dredge companies for the great communications during dredging operations.
Final thought is to remember what AIS picture tells you and what it does not. AIS may tell you were a vessel is at that point in time BUT does not show where that vessels is going.

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