Stepped up enforcement in the North American ECA: August 2014 Update.
This comprehensive "white paper" presents a detailed compilation of research findings and ongoing projects related to oil spills in ice-covered Arctic waters.
An updated version of the Donjon-Smit Funding Agreement which has the following new footer: Donjon-Smit (Tanker and Non-Tank) Version B February 11, 2014 together with Annexes 1-5 has been uploaded to the Club website.
Members are advised to take care to sign the updated WSMC enrolment agreement which is compliant with International Group guidelines ( Circular 22/13 ) and not earlier unapproved versions as described in Circular 17/13.
Severe weather conditions in the New York and New Jersey region have forced the temporary closure of our New Jersey office today.
OUTLINE:
The Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) for non-tank vessels visiting Western Alaska are now published at
These twenty or more 'frequently asked questions' include guidance on the Final Rule and its application, the contractual arrangements that need to be in place as part of VRP compliance and various points on remaining within cover. Updated 10th December 2013.
If you are the owner/operator of vessels trading to the United States, you should be aware of the imminent new environmental requirements set out below. These requirements have already been explained in Club circulars, but you may find it helpful to have this overview where they are collected in one place. If you have not yet considered how to comply, now is the time to act.
Second VGP effective December 19, 2013: Vessels to file NOI via EPA's Electronic NOI system by December 12, 2013 or 7 days before discharge to continue coverage
US Coast Guard: Nontank Vessel Response Plans - Frequently Asked Questions - December 2nd 2013
05/12/2013
The US Coast Guard has published a booklet of FAQs titled "Nontank Vessel Response Plans (NTVRP) - Frequently Asked Questions - December 02, 2013". The FAQs are attached here in PDF format. They can also be viewed in the "
OUTLINE: This circular refers to Circular 18/13 United States Vessel Response Plans. Copies of the appropriate MSRC and NRC contracts are attached as PDFs to the website version of this circular. US Coast Guard has issued a set of FAQs on Non Tank Vessel Response Plans (NTVRP).
MSRC OSRO Contract dated September 27th 1996
05/12/2013
The attached contract is conforming with International Group Vessel Response Guidelines and is referred to in Circular 19/13: "United States Vessel Response Plans - OSRO Contracts".
NRC Dispersant Addendum - December 2013
05/12/2013
NRC OSRO Contract dated September 15 2004
05/12/2013
The attached contract is conforming with International Group Vessel Response Guidelines and is referred to in Circular 19/13: "United States Vessel Response Plans - OSRO Contracts".
The Group clubs have terminated their retainer agreements with MSRC and NRC. Non-tank vessel operators should contract directly with MSRC or NRC in future. Both MSRC and NRC provide spill response contracts that conform with Group guidelines. MSRC have withdrawn their dispersant addendum to spill response contracts making purchase of extended cover unnecessary. NRC offer a fee-paying option to opt out of their addendum and avoid exposure to additional liabilities.
In a public statement of 8th November, the US Coast Guard Sector Anchorage announced increased enforcement of tank vessel response plan (VRP) requirements including monetary penalties for operators in violation of those federal regulations.
These 'Client Advisory' bulletins from Gallagher Marine Systems complements their advisory #16-13 from 30 September published on the Club website. Advisory #10-13 originally provided information on the differences between the expiring 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP) and the final version of the 2013 VGP. Advisory #20-13 is an update to #16-13 that provides additional information on the 2013 VGP and the NTVRP Final Rule Resubmission. An advisory from ECM provides highlights on the new VGP terms. A link to the US Environmental Protection Agency's VGP fact sheet is also provided.
OUTLINE: This circular concerns ships trading to Washington State waters. All ships over 300 gross tons, and all tank ships, are required to file a Washington State oil spill contingency plan before entering Washington State waters. Washington State Maritime Co-operative's (WSMC) 'umbrella' contingency plan still does not comply with International Group guidelines. National Response Corporation's (NRC) 'umbrella' plan has now been approved by Washington State with effect from 1st November 2013. The NRC contingency plan is compliant with the International Group guidelines. The further Washington State requirement for enrolment for Emergency Response Towing Vessel (ERTV) services is still in place. All clubs in the International Group have issued similar circulars