33 CFR Parts 154 and 155 [USCG-2001-8661]

On August 31, 2009, the Coast Guard published a final rule entitled "Vessel and Facility Response Plans for Oil: 2003 Removal Equipment Requirements and Alternative Technology Revisions" (74 FR 45004). This final rule amended its requirements for oil-spill removal equipment associated with vessel response plans and marine transportation-related facility response plans. The changes added requirements for new response technologies and revised methods and procedures for responding to oil spills upon the navigable waters of the United States, adjoining shorelines, and the exclusive economic zone. Those revisions triggered information collection requirements under 33 CFR 154.1065 and 155.1070. This provision requires that planholders show evidence that they have properly planned to mitigate oil outflow and to provide that information to the Coast Guard for its use in emergency response. This evidence includes name and contact information for oil spill responders for each vessel or facility with appropriate equipment and resources located in each zone of operation; specific lists of equipment that the resource providers will make available in case of an incident in each zone; and certification that the responders are qualified and have given permission to be included in the plan. Oil Spill Removal Organizations (OSROs) will also need to update contracts and their own records to add dispersant capabilities when appropriate. The Coast Guard will use this information to determine whether a vessel or facility meets the salvage and marine firefighting requirements.

With the exception of this collection of information, the Vessel and Facility Response Plans for Oil: 2003 Removal Equipment Requirements and Alternative Technology Revisions final rule became effective on September 30, 2009. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the preamble to the final rule stated that the Coast Guard would not enforce the collection of information requirements occurring under 33 CFR 154.1065 and 155.1070 until the collection of information request was approved by OMB, and also stated that the Coast Guard would publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing that OMB approved and assigned a control number for the requirement. On August 20, 2010, OMB approved the collection of information and assigned the collection OMB Control Number 1625-0066 entitled "Vessel and Facility Response Plans (Domestic and Int'l), and Additional Response Requirements for Prince William Sound, Alaska".

Need to Update your Response Plan (FRP, ICP or OSRP)?

We have the expertise to update your Facility Response Plan, Integrated Contingency Plan, or Oil Spill Response Plan to include new guidance and lessons learned from recent incidents and natural disasters. Please contact Jessica Roger for more information.