View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML
DHS/USCG RIN: 1625-AA19 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements; Vessel Response Plans for Oil (USCG-1998-3417) 
Abstract: Vessel response plan regulations required that the owners or operators of vessels carrying groups I through V petroleum oil as a primary cargo identify in their response plans a salvage company with expertise and equipment, and a company with firefighting capability that can be deployed to a port nearest to the vessel's operating area within 24 hours of notification (groups I to IV) or a discovery of a discharge (group V). Numerous requests for clarification revealed widespread misunderstanding and confusion regarding the regulatory language, making the implementation of this requirement difficult. Based on comments received after the Vessel Response Plan final rule publication (61 FR 1052; January 12, 1996) and during a Coast Guard hosted workshop, the Coast Guard redefined the terms "salvage expertise and equipment" and "vessel firefighting capability" requirements and reconsidered the 24-hour deployment requirement, which the Coast Guard suspended. This project better defined the salvage and marine firefighting resources that are required in the VRP, including planning standards for each resource. This rulemaking supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and protection of the natural resources. 
Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: Private Sector 
CFR Citation: 33 CFR 155   
Legal Authority: 33 USC 1321   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Final Rule--Partial Suspension  02/12/1998  63 FR 7069   
Final Rule--Partial Suspension  01/17/2001  66 FR 3876   
NPRM  05/10/2002  67 FR 31868   
Public Meeting 7/9/02, 7/17/02, 7/25/02  06/12/2002  67 FR 40254   
Public Meeting 9/26/02  08/07/2002  67 FR 51159   
NPRM Comment Period Extended  08/07/2002  67 FR 51159   
NPRM Comment Period End  10/18/2002    
Final Rule--Partial Suspension  01/23/2004  69 FR 3236   
Notice of Availability & Request for Comment  01/03/2006  71 FR 125   
Final Rule--Partial Suspension  02/09/2007  72 FR 6168   
Final Rule  12/31/2008  73 FR 80618   
Final Rule Effective  01/30/2009    
Final Rule Effective  02/12/2009    
Additional Information: Partial suspension of regulations created through the Vessel Response Plan final rule, Docket No. 91-034, RIN 2115-AD81. The project was originally titled "Salvage and Firefighting Equipment; Vessel Response Plans." The change was made in order to distinguish this project from other similarly titled projects within the Coast Guard.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
LT Jarrod M. DeWitz
Project Manager, CG-543
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 2nd Street SW., Stop 7581,
Washington, DC 20593-7581
Phone:202 372-1219
Email: jarrod.m.dewitz@uscg.mil