US regulations affecting your ships - get the May 2018 update!

Overview

This is the latest in a series of reports supplied by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) with the intention of keeping BIMCO members appraised of legislative developments in the US affecting international shipping. BIMCO highlights only the relevant developments that would impact members. The full CSA May report is also provided.

Vessel General Permit (VGP) - When is the 3rd VGP?

The current VGP expires in mid-December 2018. It was hoped that the new VGP prepared in a proposed format inviting comments would be issued but at the time of this reporting, this is yet to be seen.  CSA continues to liaise with the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) regarding this publication and based on discussion with colleagues, there may be an extension of the current VGP by EPA so that there is sufficient implementation time between issue of the new final VGP and its entry into force date. CSA attributes this delay possibly to the Trump administration's current regulatory reform process and the expected new developments that will arise from this reform exercise.  CSA will keep BIMCO posted of further developments.

Carriage of crude and LNG exports by US build/US flag vessels

A set of parallel bills focusing on the need to stimulate the American shipbuilding industry by mandating the carriage of crude oil and LNG exports by US built and US flag vessels has been introduced. For more information on this, please refer to the full CSA report.

Regulatory Reform - existing agency requirements

Again, continuing the President's executive order to reduce regulation and controlling regulatory costs, the office of Managment and Budget (OMB) will be seeking input and comments on how existing agency requirements affecting the marine sector could be reformed in this regard. OMB has provided a set of questions to garner the necessary input and comments. CSA will be commenting as such. You can read more about it in the full CSA report.

Measles Outbreak

It should be noted that the US Maritime Advisory has issued guidance relating to the global measles outbreaks in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. In the said Advisory, it is recommended that the guidelines issued by the Centre for Disease Control be followed.

 

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