USCG Issues NPRM to Revise VRP

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would, if implemented, revise vessel response plan (VRP) salvage and marine firefighting requirements for tank vessels carrying oil. The proposal would clarify salvage and firefighting services that must be identified in the VRP. The resource providers must be specifically identified and must be integrated into the response organization. The NPRM includes tables indicating how soon various activities are to occur, based on the location of the incident. Firefighting equipment and other resources identified must be compatible with the vessel and its cargo. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by July 9, 2002. The Coast Guard plans to hold several public meetings in conjunction with this NPRM. Dates and locations will be announced soon.