US COFRS - NPFC Closure During U.S. Government Shutdown

We would like to draw Members' attention to the attached Client Advisory #01-19 from Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS) advising that the National Pollution Fund Center (NPFC) is closed and will remain closed until the current U.S Government shutdown is resolved, and/or the USCG is allocated funding to fulfil its various missions.  This means that Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) applications are not being processed. The ECOFR site however remains operational and all applicants and guarantors are advised to continue to submit applications, renewals and cancellations as normal. However, Members are warned that delays in receiving approval to enter U.S. waters may be expected.  

The NPFC has published the following notice on its website:

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Due to the partial government shutdown, the Vessel Certification Division at  NPFC is only minimally staffed and Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR)  applications are not being processed. However, the ECOFR site will remain operational and all applicants and guarantors should continue to submit applications,  renewals and cancellations as normal. When a COFR holder advises the U.S. Coast Guard  that they are enroute to a U.S. port, the Captain of the Port will check with NPFC  to see if a valid COFR exists on that vessel. Compliance determinations will be made  directly to the Captain of the Port office and the vessel owner/operator will be informed accordingly. Delays in granting approval to enter U.S. waters may occur.
 
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Please refer to GMS's Client Advisory for additional information.