ICS urges early submission of Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans

ICS urges early submission of Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans    The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued a reminder to non-tanker operators trading to the United States of the importance to submit Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans (NVRPs) to the U.S. Coast Guard before July 9.
   Preparation and submission of the NVRPs, which address the mitigation of potential oil spills, is necessary to comply with new U.S. requirements that extend procedures already applicable to tankers under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
   “Although the U.S. Coast Guard has indicated that it does not intend to enforce the Non Tank Vessel Response Plan requirements immediately due to legislative hold ups, ship operators are still strongly advised to submit their plans at least a month before the Aug. 9 implementation date,” said Simon Bennett, ICS Secretary.
   “In the unfortunate event of a ship being involved in a spill after Aug. 9, if it has failed to submit a plan a month in advance — the time stipulated by the Coast Guard for processing — this could have serious implications for the owner’s financial liability,” Bennett said.