[IMG]file:///G:\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.gif[/IMG]GENERAL STEAMSHIP AGENCIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO: VESSEL OWNERS & OPERATORS CALLING U.S. WEST COAST PORTS
[For those reading on a smart phone, this message has no attachments with content.]
Please note the following taken from Bryant’s Maritime Blog today:
QUOTE:
USCG – detention for failure to use low sulfur fuel oil
The US Coast Guard included in its listing of IMO reportable detentions in its Port State Control (PSC) program the detention of a foreign bulk carrier for operation within the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) while using fuel oil exceeding the 1% m/m limit on sulfur content. The ship had low sulfur fuel on board, but neither the master nor the chief engineer was familiar with the current North American ECA regulations and the compliant fuel was not used. (2/4/13).
Note: This may represent the first enforcement action under the North American ECA regulations. As noted in MEPC.1/Circ.756, the North American ECA entered into force on 1 August 2011 and took full effect (including mandatory compliance) on 1 August 2012.
UNQUOTE
Coast Guard action against the vessel apparently took place in early February in New Orleans. According to the Coast Guard report, the deficiencies are listed as follows:
Deficiencies: Code - Category
2199 - Other (MARPOL Related Operational Def.)
Description:
While ships are operating within an emission control area (ECA), the sulfur content used on board ships
shall not exceed 1% m/m. The PSCO reviewed the IAPP Certificate and verified the vessel utilizes
a separate fuel oil (low sulfur 1% m/m) to comply with an established ECA. The PSCO discovered that the vessel
has been operating in the North American ECA from 26JAN – 31JAN 2013 utilizing fuel oil that does not
comply with the MARPOL Annex VI ECA sulfur limits.
Compliant fuel oil was available onboard for use; however the Master failed to recognize the North
American established ECA and require the fuel oil change over to occur prior to entering the ECA.
Deficiencies: Code - Category
2199 - Other (MARPOL Related Operational Def.)
The master and crew are not familiar with essential shipboard procedure regarding the operation of air
pollution prevention equipment. PSCO interviewed the Captain and Chief Engineer and found that both were
unaware of the current North American Emission Control Area regulations.
Best regards,
Vince Addington
General Steamship Corp / Alaska Maritime Agencies / Empire Shipping Agency
NOTE: I can be reached at the following addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
An ASBA Certified Agency
[IMG]file:///G:\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg[/IMG]