SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, is promulgating this nontank vessel response plan final rule to further protect the Nation from the threat of oil spills in U.S. waters. This final rule requires owners or operators of nontank vessels to prepare and submit oil spill response plans. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act defines nontank vessels as self-propelled vessels of 400 gross tons or greater that operate on the navigable waters of the United States, carry oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion, and are not tank vessels.

This final rule specifies the content of a response plan and addresses, among other issues, the requirement to plan for responding to a worst case discharge and a substantial threat of such a discharge.

Additionally, this final rule updates the international Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan requirements that apply to certain nontank vessels and tank vessels. Finally, this final rule requires vessel owners or operators to submit their vessel response plan control number as part of already required notice of arrival information. This rulemaking supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of protection of natural resources and maritime mobility.

DATES: This final rule is effective October 30, 2013. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register on October 30, 2013.

The full text of the final rule can be found here.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
If you have questions on this rule, call or email Lieutenant Commander John Peterson, Coast Guard, Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, Vessel Response Plan Review Team; telephone 202-372-1226, email vrp@uscg.mil.

Rgds,

Commander Rob Smith, USCG

Designated Federal Officer

National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee (NOSAC) https://homeport.uscg.mil/nosac

Office: (202) 372-1410

Cell: (202) 297-2618

Fax: (202) 372-8382

Robert.L.Smith@uscg.mil