325 - 09/03 - Increased Penalties - Hazardous Materials Regulations

We have been advised that from the 30^th September 2003, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) will issue new penalty guidelines for the violation of federal hazardous materials transportation laws or regulations. The penalties incurred will increase to maximum US$32,500, minimum US$275.The guidelines state that when proposing or assessing a civil penalty, the agency will “disregard prior violations in any civil or criminal hazardous materials enforcement case that was initiated in a calendar year more than six years before the year in which the case was initiated” .We encourage all Members to be aware of the above. Source of information:

Federal Register Vol 68, Reg.52844 No 173