American P&I Club advises the US Coast Guard (USCG) will require compliance with new Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) for certain vessels operating in Western Alaska. Last year the Alaska Marine Exchange published proposals for new Alternative Planning Criteri which have now been finalized. Historically, it has not been possible for tank owners operating in Western Alaska carrying oil to comply fully with the vessel response planning requirements of the Oil Pollution Act 1990. In consequence, the USCG allowed waivers in respect of these requirements. That has now changed: with effect from May 14, 2012, oil tank vessel owners and owners…