U.S. shipping coordinating panel sets IMO preparatory meetings

U.S. shipping coordinating panel sets IMO preparatory meetings    The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will hold two meetings in Washington, D.C., in March and April to prepare for up-coming sessions of the International Maritime Organization in London.
   On March 8, the Shipping Coordinating Committee will discuss maritime security, port state control officer training, and working hours for seafarers — all issues before the IMO's Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation.
   On April 13, the shipping coordinating panel will discuss the Convention for Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Navigation, the Wreck Removal Convention, and the Provision of Financial Security prior to the next session of the IMO's legal committee.
   The IMO is the United Nations authorized agency with responsibility for preventing loss of life and pollution at sea.
   For more information, see 69 Fed. Reg. 7531 [Feb. 17, 2004].