USA

The introduction of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act - United States

The introduction in the United sates of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act has resulted in the issuance of regulations requiring operators of non-tank vessels of 400 gt or more, trading in US waters, to prepare and submit Vessel Response Plans (VRPs) to the USCG by August 8, 2005.

The VRPs should be consistent with the requirements of the US National Contingency Plan and applicable Area Contingency Plans. They should include the identification of a Qualified Individual with authority to implement removal actions and communicate with suitable federal officials, as well as the identification of available private personnel and equipment necessary to remove to the maximum extent practicable a “worst case discharge”. The USCG suspects that a large number of VRPs will be received on or about the August 8 deadline. So to avoid possible delay or disruption to vessels operating in the US, it is recommended that the relevant plans be submitted as soon as possible. At the time of this newsletter going to press, a separate Club circular on the topic is being prepared for release.
(Holland + Knight)

Also in the US, the Department of Homeland Security has decided that members of the maritime industry, who were previously required to submit arrival and departure information reports to both the USCG and US Customs and Border Protection, need now only submit one report. More information can be accessed at: www.nvmc.uscg.gov
(Murphy, Rogers & Sloss, New Orleans)