Despite the extended Christmas and New Year break, the Knowledge & Developments section of our website provided new information through that period.

In addition to the frequent news bulletins on implementation of spill response contractor arrangements in China, there have been loss prevention updates on US west coast air emission controls and our own circular on an SGM for incorporating rule changes into the 2012 Club Rules & Bye-Laws.

China

China implemented its updated maritime oil pollution legislation, as scheduled, on the 1st January 2012.

However, there has been some uncertainty about many of the necessary arrangements. A special section of the website - "Chinese oil pollution" - compiles the advices obtained by the Club either directly or via the International Group. Over the past two weeks, four updates have been posted there. Among them are announcements by China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of a list of approved consortia of SPROs with which shipowners will be permitted to contract with the lead SPRO representing the participating SPROs providing coverage for multiple ports as well as notices issued by local MSAs for arrangements in their respective locations.

The Regulations require owners/operators of (a) any ship carrying polluting and hazardous cargoes in bulk or (b) any other vessel above 10,000 gt enter into a pollution clean up contract with a Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) approved Ship Pollution Response Organisation before the vessel enters a PRC port.

An overview "Legal Briefing" as well as International Group FAQs can be found on the Chinese oil pollution section.

US emissions

Loss prevention bulletin 801 from our San Francisco colleagues provides three recent notices from the California Air Resources Board including guidance on the substantial fees required to be paid by non-compliant ships visiting local ports.

SGM

Circular 17/11 Special General Meeting advises on the meeting to be held on the 20th January 2012 in Bermuda to consider amending the Club's Rules. The papers for this meeting are attached to the circular, including details of all the proposed changes to the rules. Members are kindly reminded to ensure their completed proxy form is sent to the Secretary to arrive no later than 12 hours before the meeting.

Chauncy Maples

Finally,

of the progress by the Chauncy Maples project team over the past year was posted just before Christmas. The news included the arrival of a valued new co-sponsor with Thomas Miller to ensure the long-term future of the Chauncy Maples in her new role supporting the health and well-being of the people of Malawi.