Nontank Vessel Response Plan Final Rule—Finally

New Development

The U.S. Coast Guard issued its long-awaited Final Rule addressing nontank vessel response plans ("NTVRP") on September 30, 2013. The Final Rule is effective October 30, 2013, and requires owners and operators of nontank vessels to prepare and submit NTVRPs by January 30, 2014. The Final Rule implements a 2004 statutory mandate expanding oil spill response planning standards from tank vessels (implemented in 1993) to self-propelled nontank vessels of 400 gross tons or greater operating on waters within three miles of the United States. The requirements for nontank vessels are similar to those for tank vessel requirements. The Final Rule is available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-09-30/pdf/2013-22059.pdf.