OPA 90 - Introduction of New Legislation under the Salvage and Marine Firefighting Regulation, 33 CFR Part 155.4010 - 155.4055

Dear Sir / Madam,

We take this opportunity to highlight new requirements that have been introduced under the OPA 90 legislation, which will require all ship operators that trade to/fromUSA, to make sure they comply with this new requirement under their OPA 90 contingency plans by latest June 2010.

In brief, it requires not only that you revisit your nominated QI and Salvage Service Provider, but also pre agreed contracts for any salvage services that maybe required in any one incident.

To help we invite you to visit the following weblink:-

Quote:-

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=717c784234e10b1c005426ea2df92cad&rgn=div5&view=text&node=33:2.0.1.5.24&idno=33#33:2.0.1.5.24.9

We believe of the 120 pages listed the most relevant part of this regulation is as quoted below.

§ 155.4045   Required agreements or contracts with the salvage and marine firefighting resource providers.

top

(a) You may only list resource providers in your plan that have been arranged by contract or other approved means.

(b) You must obtain written consent from the resource provider stating that they agree to be listed in your plan. This consent must state that the resource provider agrees to provide the services that are listed in §§155.4030(a) through 155.4030(h), and that these services are capable of arriving within the response times listed in Table 155.4030(b). This consent may be included in the contract with the resource provider or in a separate document.

(c) This written consent must be available to the Coast Guard for inspection. The response plan must identify the location of this written consent, which must be:

(1) On board the vessel; or

(2) With a qualified individual located in the United States.

(d) Public marine firefighters may only be listed out to the maximum extent of the public resource's jurisdiction, unless other agreements are in place. A public marine firefighting resource may agree to respond beyond their jurisdictional limits, but the Coast Guard considers it unreasonable to expect public marine firefighting resources to do this.

§ 155.4050   Ensuring that the salvors and marine firefighters are adequate.

top

(a) You are responsible for determining the adequacy of the resource providers you intend to include in your plan.

(b) When determining adequacy of the resource provider, you must select a resource provider that meets the following selection criteria to the maximum extent possible:

(1) Resource provider is currently working in response service needed.

(2) Resource provider has documented history of participation in successful salvage and/or marine firefighting operations, including equipment deployment.

(3) Resource provider owns or has contracts for equipment needed to perform response services.

(4) Resource provider has personnel with documented training certification and degree experience (Naval Architecture, Fire Science, etc.).

(5) Resource provider has 24-hour availability of personnel and equipment, and history of response times compatible with the time requirements in the regulation.

(6) Resource provider has on-going continuous training program. For marine firefighting providers, they meet the training guidelines in NFPA 1001, 1005, 1021, 1405, and 1561 (Incorporation by reference, see §155.140), show equivalent training, or demonstrate qualification through experience.

(7) Resource provider has successful record of participation in drills and exercises.

(8) Resource provider has salvage or marine firefighting plans used and approved during real incidents.

(9) Resource provider has membership in relevant national and/or international organizations.

(10) Resource provider has insurance that covers the salvage and/or marine firefighting services which they intend to provide.

(11) Resource provider has sufficient up front capital to support an operation.

(12) Resource provider has equipment and experience to work in the specific regional geographic environment(s) that the vessel operates in (e.g., bottom type, water turbidity, water depth, sea state and temperature extremes).

(13) Resource provider has the logistical and transportation support capability required to sustain operations for extended periods of time in arduous sea states and conditions.

(14) Resource provider has the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard the health and safety of their workers when providing salvage and marine firefighting services.

(15) Resource provider has familiarity with the salvage and marine firefighting protocol contained in the local ACPs for each COTP area for which they are contracted.

(c) A resource provider need not meet all of the selection criteria in order for you to choose them as a provider. They must, however, be selected on the basis of meeting the criteria to the maximum extent possible.

(d) You must certify in your plan that these factors were considered when you chose your resource provider.

Best Regards,

‍