US Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010
15/10/2010
The official complete text of the Act as published by the US government. Summaries of such legislation can be found on
US Coast Guard published its circular NVIC No 2-10 providing guidance on implementation and enforcement of VRP Final Rule requirements. A correction and further update to Annex 4 of Club Circular 12/10 is provided below. An amendment has been made to the previously circulated Donjon Smit contract. This circular refers to Club Circular 12/10 and a similar circular is to be issued by all Group clubs.
720 - 10/10 - 29 day rule - USA
07/10/2010
The Association would like to inform Members that a large number of whales have recently been reported in the Santa Barbara channel; ships in this area should remain vigilant.
This paper addresses the liability and financial responsibility for oil spills under the Oil Pollution Act 1990 and related statutes comments on the impact of the May 12th proposed legislative package in relation to the smaller US operators.
The Association would like to remind Members of the AREA TO BE AVOIDED (ATBA) off the Washington coast.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act 2010, due to become US law very shortly, imposes substantial requirements on cruise ships carrying over 250 passengers on international voyages which embark or disembark passengers in any US port. They concern design and construction, medical facilities, passenger and crew information, training and measures to report and combat crime.
701 - 06/10 - Garbage Fines - USA
24/06/2010
A Member was recently fined at a U.S. Port, for violating 7 CFR 330.400 which was established under the Plant Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7701). This regulation was designed to prevent the spread of plant pests as well as livestock and poultry diseases.
Phase 1 - The booking
23/06/2010
The State of New York, USA, has issued stringent requirements regarding ballast water discharge technology under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) system that are due to come into force in January 2012.
This paper gives the ICS position on the proposed amendments that changes to the insurance and liability related aspects of OPA 90 are unwarranted given that few incidents have exceeded its limits.
OPA 90's current limits for ships are realistic, adequate, allow for necessary increases, and incorporate well-tested, proactive spill response mechanisms
This paper emphasises that differences between vessels and offshore facilities under OPA are necessary and that unlimited or unreasonable liability requirements for vessels under OPA should be opposed.
In this paper the Department of Justice is advocating the revision of OPA 90 and it believes the current limits are inadequate. Although it presents its argument in the context of offshore drilling it does not exclude shipping from its scope.
Review of OPA 90: offshore drilling industry warrants different liability regime from that applicable to ship operators and comments on limitation & insurability.
This paper reviews the role of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and the National Pollution Funds Center. The liability limits and financial responsibility of the proposed May 12th legislative package are reviewed. The arrangements put in place by BP to meet the requirements of the OPA claims process are also reviewed.
More jurisdictions require maintaining vessel response plans
A circular was recently released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture concerning AGM and action taken against infested ships.
697 - 05/10 - Carriage of Cement Cargo - USA
27/05/2010