New environmental law app for seafarers

   The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey (SCI) has launched a new mobile app aimed at providing seafarers a way to brief themselves on U.S. environmental laws.
   The app, available at enviroguides.us, was developed in conjunction with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and is accessible via the Web browser on any device (mobile phone, tablet or computer) to inquire about and search a constructive summary of the laws affecting seafarers when operating in American coastal waters.
   “In the last few years, seafarers entering United States waters have encountered vigorous and frequent investigations and prosecutions of environmental crimes and related offenses,” SCI said. “To help navigate the ‘sea’ of authoritative statutes, last year SCI whittled down volumes of U.S. environmental regulations on discharge and pollution into practical guides. A new electronic version of these guides takes them one step further in accessibility. Seafarers no longer have to search indices or leaf through pages to find pertinent information.”
   Within SCI’s Web app, seafarers can download pamphlets, PowerPoint presentations and ask questions of advocates at the institute. – Eric Johnson