09-30-13: Nontank Vessel Response Plans and Other Response Plan Requirements

September 30, 2013, 9:21 am

SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, is

promulgating this nontank vessel response plan final rule to further

protect the Nation from the threat of oil spills in U.S. waters. This

final rule requires owners or operators of nontank vessels to prepare

and submit oil spill response plans. The Federal Water Pollution Control

Act defines nontank vessels as self-propelled vessels of 400 gross tons

or greater that operate on the navigable waters of the United States,

carry oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion, and are not tank

vessels.

This final rule specifies the content of a response plan and addresses,

among other issues, the requirement to plan for responding to a worst

case discharge and a substantial threat of such a discharge.

Additionally, this final rule updates the international Shipboard Oil

Pollution Emergency Plan requirements that apply to certain nontank

vessels and tank vessels. Finally, this final rule requires vessel

owners or operators to submit their vessel response plan control number

as part of already required notice of arrival information. This

rulemaking supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of protection of

natural resources and maritime

mobility.

DATES: This final rule is effective October 30, 2013. The incorporation

by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by

the Director of the Federal Register on October 30, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,

call or email Lieutenant Commander John Peterson, Coast Guard, Office of

Commercial Vessel Compliance, Vessel Response Plan Review Team;

telephone 202-372-1226, email vrp@uscg.mil

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