Key Bridge Marriott Hotel News

One issue on the conference agenda will be the new regulations for Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans (VRPs). On March 9, 2013, the OPA 90 Vessel Response Plan regulatory package outlining requirements for non-tank vessels trading in U.S. waters was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), jumping the last hurdle before publication on or around June 9, 2013. The new regulations address the need to identify appropriate response resources, including diving, salvage, firefighting or lightering equipment and personnel, within VRPs. Questions on what this means for response to non-tank vessel casualties will be examined at the conference.