OUTLINE

• Owners of non-tank vessels calling at US ports will be required to submit their Vessel Response Plan (VRP) by 30th January 2014
• This new requirement is being reviewed by the International Group and a more detailed circular will be issued in due course.

TO THE MEMBERS

Dear Sirs

UNITED STATES NON-TANK VESSELS RESPONSE PLANS

The Final Rule addressing Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans has been published in the Federal Register, Vol. 78, No. 189, dated Monday 30th September 2013.

Members are advised that Non-Tank vessel owners are required to submit their Vessel Response Plan to the Coast Guard by 30th January 2014.

For the purpose of preparing a Vessel Response Plan, a Non-Tank vessel is defined as a self-propelled, non-tank vessel of 400 gross tons or greater, that carries oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion and that operates on the navigable waters of the United States.

Non-Tank vessel owners will also be required to enter into Funding agreements with salvors. These will be reviewed to see if they conform with the International Group Guidelines on Vessel Response Plans.

The Final Rule is currently being reviewed and a further circular will be issued to members once this has been analysed in more detail.

All clubs in the International Group have issued similar circulars.

Yours faithfully

THOMAS MILLER (BERMUDA) LTD.

CONTACT

• Members requiring further information should contact Dr. Chao Wu (chao.wu@thomasmiller.com or telephone +44 20 7204 2157).