The “Nontank Vessel Response Plans and Other Response Plan Requirements” Final Rule was published September 30, 2013 in the Federal Register. The regulations come into effect on October 30th, 2013 and NTVRPs must be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard by January 30, 2014.
The rule, in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Acts of 2004 and 2006 and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, requires nontank vessel owners or operators to prepare and submit oil spill response plans for vessels operating in the navigable waters of the United States. This rule applies to nontank vessels of 400 gross tons or greater that operate on the navigable waters of the United States. The owners or operators of nontank vessels will be required to submit an oil spill response plan to the Coast Guard.
These regulations can be viewed here: Nontank Vessel Response Plans and Other Response Plan Requirements.
