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Restriction on vessel movements in NMI waters still in effect
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Posted on May 12 2009
The Commonwealth Ports Authority yesterday confirmed that the order prohibiting nighttime operations within 12 nautical miles of CNMI waters remains in effect.
The U.S. Coast Guard issued the order in August 2008.
Saipan port manager MaryAnn Q. Lizama said yesterday this means that no vessels can enter CNMI waters before sunrise and exit after sundown within 12 nautical miles.
CPA executive director Efrain F. Camacho clarified yesterday that the “restriction is not due to navigational aids or conditions of the port” but it’s a safeguard against oil spills and containment of an oil spill, should it happen in CNMI waters.
The order will only be lifted once the CNMI has in place a non-tank vessel response plan, which sets the rules by which vessels can enter or exit CNMI waters at night.
Lizama said the draft requirements include response capabilities such as containment booms, response equipment and time response elements.
The draft standards is now being reviewed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
CPA expects the lifting of the order next month.
“Once the [non-tank vessel response plan] is approved, the Coast Guard will lift the order and allow the movement of vessels in and out of the CNMI waters at anytime. …The anticipated date is end of June,” Lizama added.
Despite the order, the ports manager indicated that operations at the dock, including at nighttime, remain fully operational.
“It is just the vessel movement operations within 12 nautical miles of the CNMI waters that are restricted at this time. Vessel operators are aware and have adjusted their movements so that there is no waiting time out in the open sea,” she said.
Camacho said that, although the restriction is still in effect, this did not cause significant changes to the agency’s operation.
“There are no significant effects or impacts to the ports operation,” he said.
Camacho said the same number of vessels would come in, whether there is restriction or not.
“Also, for safety reasons, most vessels would time their arrival and departure during daytime as it is much safer,” the executive director said.
