Certain larger PVA vessels may be affected by a rule on vessel oil spill response plans proposed by the Coast Guard and published in the Federal Register of August 31, 2009. Entitled “Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans and other Vessel Response Plan Requirements,” the proposal would implement a 2004 amendment to the Oil Pollution Act to require that some Non-Tank vessels obtain Coast Guard approval for and implement oil spill contingency plans.
Most vessels operated by PVA members would not be affected, but any vessel of 400 gross tons (as measured by the standards of the international tonnage convention) would have to comply. (more…)
PVA vessels that carry or discharge ballast water may be affected by a rule proposed by the Coast Guard and published in the Federal Register of August 28, 2009. Entitled “Standards for Living Organisms in Ships’ Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters,” the proposal would implement federal laws that direct the Coast Guard to develop ballast water management rules for vessels. Ballast water is widely accused of transporting aquatic invasive species into and throughout U.S. waters. (more…)
Vessel operators required to comply with the EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP), and that meet any of the criteria outlined below, must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to EPA beginning June 19 and no later than September 19. (Vessels subject to the VGP are commercial vessels that operate in U.S. domestic waters, 79 feet or greater in length and all vessels that discharge ballast water.) A new vessel delivered after September 19 must submit an NOI 30 days prior to any discharge.
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