Under the Final Rule addressing Nontank Vessel Response Plans (NTVRPs), owners or operators of nontank vessels who trade to the US were required to submit their NTVRPs to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) by 30 January 2014. The USCG recognized that time might be limited for plan holders to prepare and complete all elements of their NTVRPs and therefore they issued 6-month Interim Operating Authorization (IOA) letters, as necessary.

Please find the attached “Marine Safety Information Bulletin” No.10-14 dated 1 July 2014 issued by the USCG. The IOA will expire on 31 July 2014. However, quite a few NTVRPs still have not received full plan approval. In these circumstances, the USCG have announced their intention to grant a 3-month extension of the IOA for nontank vessels that submitted a VRP, which includes a pre-fire plan approved by the identified salvage and marine fire fighting organization.

Members whose nontank vessels are likely to trade to the US after 31 July 2014 are recommended to check the status of their NTVRPs with their QI/Plan Writer and take proactive necessary steps.