From the desk of Capt. Jeff Monroe, MM, AMPE International Association of Maritime and Port Executives Petition of the Coalition for Fair Port Practices for Rulemaking; Notice of Public Hearing and Request for Comments The Federal Maritime Commission has filed a notice of hearing and request for comments. The Commission has determined to hold hearings on January 16 and 17, 2018 at 800 North Capitol Street NW., Washington, DC. The hearing will be open for public observation. Request for appearance and comments are due by December 8, 2017 and addressed to: Rachel Dickon, Assistant Secretary, Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol St. NW., Room 1046, Washington, DC 20573-0001, Email: s

From the desk of Capt. Jeff Monroe, MM, AMPE International Association of Maritime and Port Executives MARAD MARINE HIGHWAY GRANTS A Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligible Marine Highway projects is expected to be published in November with an anticipated submission date to be set sometime in December. Funding for projects is $5 Million USD. An additional $7 Million is expected to be appropriated in 2017. CRUISE PASSENGER PROTECTION ACT Introduced in the House and Senate in spring of 2017, this bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine whether any of the enumerated rights in the international cruise line passenger bill of rights (adopted by the members of the Cr