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DOT/USCG

RIN: 2115-AF60

Publication ID: Spring 2002

Title: Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements; Vessel Response Plans for Oil (USCG-1998-3417)
Abstract: Current vessel response plan regulations require 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-IV) or a discovery of a discharge (group V). Numerous requests for clarification revealed widespread misunderstanding and confusion regarding the regulatory language, which will make 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 intends to better define the terms "salvage expertise and equipment" and "vessel firefighting capability" requirements and will reconsider the 24-hour deployment requirement which was scheduled to go into effect on February 18, 1998. Therefore, the Coast Guard suspended the effective dates of the 24-hour deployment requirements as published in the final rule. The Coast Guard will continue with this project to better define the requirements. This rulemaking supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and protection of the natural resources. This rulemaking is significant because it concerns a matter of substantial public interest or controversy.
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)	Priority: Economically Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: Yes	Unfunded Mandates: Private Sector
CFR Citation: 33 CFR 155
Legal Authority: 33 USC 1321

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: This rulemaking is intended to reduce the impact of oil spills from vessels.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The statutory authority for this rulemaking is 33 U.S.C. 1321.

Alternatives: The Coast Guard hosted a workshop to solicit comments from the public on potential alternatives to the salvage and marine firefighting requirements contained in the vessel response plan rule.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Undetermined

Risks: The purpose of this rulemaking is to better define the terms "salvage expertise and equipment" and "vessel firefighting capability" requirements and to reconsider the 24-hour deployment requirement. The objective is to improve response and reduce environmental damage from oil spills.

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	12/00/2002

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: Yes
Related RINs: Related to 2115-AD81
Agency Contact: Douglas Lincoln Project Manager, G-MOR-3 Department of Transportation U.S. Coast Guard 2100 Second Street SW, Washington, DC 20593-0001 Phone:202 267-0448