USCG – enforcement of NTVRP requirements

24 June 2008

The following advice is thanks to Dennis Bryant of Holland & Knight

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that, with effect from August 22, it will enforce the requirement for the owner and operator of a US or foreign flag nontank vessel operating in US waters to prepare and submit a nontank vessel response plan (NTVRP).  A nontank vessel is defined as a self-propelled vessel of 400 gross tons or greater, which carries oil as fuel for main propulsion and operates on the navigable waters of the United States.  The NTVRP should be largely similar to the vessel response plan (VRP) required for a tank vessel.  The Coast Guard has provided more specific Guidance for NTVRP preparation.   Initially, enforcement efforts will focus on nontank vessels of 1,600 gross tons and greater, as they represent a greater risk to the environment than do smaller vessels.  73 Fed. Reg. 35405  (June 23, 2008).

Copies of the two referenced documents can be found at:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nvic/NVIC%2001-05,%20CH-1.pdf

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-14115.pdf