Proposed & Interim Rules
This Customs Service document proposes to amend the Customs Regulations to provide for the temporary landing in the U.S. of vessel equipment in need of repair, without requiring entry of that equipment under a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB). It is proposed such equipment be permitted to be landed for repair and relading aboard the same vessel, subject to Customs issuance of a special permit or license for the landed equipment, under an International Carrier Bond. Uncertainty exists whether the relading of repaired equipment on vessels departing the U.S. would satisfy the TIB requirement that such merchandise be exported. The proposed amendments will eliminate this uncertainty while still allowing Customs adequate control over such unladings and ladings.
USCG Amends Regulated Navigation Area
The USCG has published and made effective an interim rule authorizing Captains of the Port (COTP) to grant exemptions from the First USCG District Regulated Navigation Area requirement for twin screw tugs or tug escorts for single-hulled tank barges. COTPs may grant exemptions until July 1, 2000, provided the operator demonstrates the barge employs an equivalent level of safety. When determining whether to grant an exemption, COTPs will consider several factors, including the availability of on-call tug assistance, time of transit, route, weather, environmental factors, amount and grade of cargo, existence and sufficiency of anchoring and retrieval equipment on manned barges, construction of the tank barge and the operator's overall safety record.
USCG to Require Anchors, Emergency Retrieval Systems
The USCG has issued an interim rule requiring anchors and emergency retrieval systems on tank barges and the vessels towing them in coastal and Great Lakes service. In a significant change from the October 1997 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the rule requires all single-hulled tank barges operating on the U.S. territorial sea, the Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and parts of Puget Sound, be equipped with an operable anchor system. In addition, both single- and double-hulled tank barges and the vessels towing them must be equipped with an emergency retrieval system, such as an emergency towline or an Orville Hook. The rule also requires equipment be maintained and inspected regularly, and crewmembers be trained and drilled in its use.
New Regulations to Improve Safety of Tank Barges in Northeast U.S.
The Commander, First USCG District has published the final rule for the increased safety of towing vessels and tank barges operating in the Northeastern U.S. The regional rules will apply to tugs and tank barges operating between Maine and Northern New Jersey. The new regulations create four sets of safety measures for towing vessels and tank barges operating in the waters of the Northeastern U.S. The measures include positive control for barges, enhanced communications, voyage planning and areas of restricted navigation. These measures should reduce the risk of oil spills from the many tank barges operating in the waters of the region, thereby reducing the risk of environmental damage to the unique and sensitive marine environment.
New Regulations to Improve Safety of Tank Barges in Northeast U.S.
The Commander, First USCG District has published the final rule for the increased safety of towing vessels and tank barges operating in the Northeastern U.S. The regional rules will apply to tugs and tank barges operating between Maine and Northern New Jersey. The new regulations create four sets of safety measures for towing vessels and tank barges operating in the waters of the Northeastern U.S. The measures include positive control for barges, enhanced communications, voyage planning and areas of restricted navigation. These measures should reduce the risk of oil spills from the many tank barges operating in the waters of the region, thereby reducing the risk of environmental damage to the unique and sensitive marine environment.
