No. 18 2013/2014 - United States Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans

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Dear Sirs, 

United States Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans 

The Final Rule addressing Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans has been published in the Federal Register, Vol. 78, No. 189, dated Monday 30th September 2013. 

Members are advised that non-tank vessel owners are required to submit their Vessel Response Plan to the Coast Guard by 30th January 2014. 

For the purpose of preparing a Vessel Response Plan, a non-tank vessel is defined as a self-propelled, non-tank vessel of 400 gross tons or greater, that carries oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion and that operates on the navigable waters of the United States. 

Non-tank vessel owners will also be required to enter into funding agreements with salvors and marine fire-fighting resources. The terms of such agreements will be reviewed to ensure that they conform with the International Group Guidelines on Vessel Response Plans. 

The Final Rule is currently being reviewed and a further circular will be issued to Members in due course. 

All Clubs have issued similar circulars.  

Yours faithfully
For:      West of England Insurance Services (Luxembourg) S.A.
             (As Managers)

A Paulson
Director