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50 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News make momentous decisions without the luxury of in-depth analysis. We publicly stated that we "respected" the President's action and pledged our full cooperation in the rescue and rebuilding efforts. The second waiver was another matter. It was totally unnecessary in more than one way. First, the Jones Act fleet did in fact have the capacity to meet all of the nation's cargo needs, liq- uid or dry-bulk, even after the first hur- ricane. Second, there is already a provi- sion for waiving the Jones Act for an energy emergency on a case-by-case basis. These waivers, however, require a determination that U.S.-flag tonnage is not available and that the emergency threatens national security before the waiver would be approved. Because the Jones Act fleet has sufficient capacity to meet ongoing fuel transportation needs, this provision is infrequently used, and later analysis almost always verifies that the requested waiver was unnecessary. A precedent, once set, can be a bless- ing or curse. Following the second waiver, MCTF had to mobilize to ensure that blanket waivers became a historical footnote rather than a new domestic maritime policy. MCTF logged many an hour meeting with the Federal agencies involved with the waiver process. Our message was simple. The Jones Act fleet can meet the needs of domestic waterborne com- merce under even the most trying cir- cumstances. If it appears there might be a need for a waiver, there is a time-test- ed process in place. Blanket waivers accomplish nothing more than under- mining the integrity of a law that has served the nation well since 1920. KING-GAGE ® LevelBAR Tank Level Indicator Analog LED column graphically displays tank level as total volume and/or depth. Replaces fluid-filled gages Stainless steel housing Greater reliability • Tank Gauges • Draft Measurement • Air Control Stations • Compressed Air Filters • USN Service KING-GAGE Marine Systems ® KING-GAGE ® LevelPRO Multiple Tank Level Processors Continuous measurement of multiple ballast and shipboard service tanks. Total volume and/or tank depth Durable corrosion proof housing Digital communications output KING-GAGE ® LiquiSeal Liquid Level Transmitter Rugged marine liquid level sensor for ballast/cargo/service tanks or draft measurement. Electronic or pneumatic output Proven air purge principle Externally mounted Tank Level Indication for the Marine and Offshore Oil/Gas Industries D-2 Circle 256 on Reader Service Card Circle 302 on Reader Service Card • The softest, most forgiving ship assist fender on the market • Designed for greater energy absorption and gripping ability • Ideal for tractor tugs, bow, stern and side fenders • Side hip fenders for tug and barge units • Pier cell fenders a division of Viking Marine Products, Inc. 1160 State Street • Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 USA Tel: (732) 826-4552 • Fax: (732) 826-5533 E-mail: vikingfender1@yahoo.com www.vikingfender.com When Push Comes To Shove, Have A Viking On Your Side! Viking Enhanced Softloop Fender The Maritime Cabotage Task Force Board. First row, left to right: Alan Butchman, American Shipping Group, Marine Resources Group; Philip Grill, Matson Navigation Company and Chairman of MCTF; Michael Roberts, Crowley Maritime Corp., Venable LLP; Robert Zuckerman, Horizon Lines; Jim Weakley, Lake Carriers' Association. Second row, l-r: Frank Pecquex, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; Thomas Allegretti, The American Waterway Operators; James Rausch, Dredging Contractors of America; James Henry, Transportation Institute; Eric Smith, Overseas Shipholding Group; Charles Crangle, American Maritime Officers; Allen Walker, Shipbuilders Council of America. 2006WorldYearbook2006WorldYearbook2006WorldYearbook2006W MR JUNE2006 #7 (49-56).qxd 6/2/2006 2:59 PM Page 50
