Tank Vessels off the Southern Coast of California – Be aware of AQMD’s Rule 1142!

The Club would like to remind Members that commercial vessels calling at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will, in addition to complying with the U.S. federal government’s enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI and the California Air Resources Board’s enforcement of its low-sulphur and shore power connection (At-Berth) regulations, also have to ensure compliance with the rules of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“AQMD”).

The AQMD regulates air quality in the regions of California and has been actively enforcing its Marine Tank Vessel Regulations (Rule 1142) which prohibits any liquid or gaseous leaks from “…all hatches, pressure relief valves, connections, gauging ports and vents and other equipment associated with a loading, lightering, ballasting, or housekeeping event” from tank vessels while in California Regulated Waters. 

Members are referred to Witt O'Brien's Circular 022-20 dated 23 April, 2020 and Peacock, Piper, Tong & Voss’s APRIL 2020 ALERT for details on Rule 1142 and recommendations on how to prevent or reduce gaseous leaks which violate Rule 1142 from Members’ tank vessels, when anchoring off the above ports for extended periods at times when ambient air and water temperatures are warm.

If Members have any questions after reading this update, your usual contact at the Club who will be pleased to assist you.