West of England P&I Club news alert
The West of England has issued news alert on its website to remind operator for the new ECA requirements that will enter into force on January 1st, 2014 and covers waters under the jurisdiction of the United States surrounding Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, extending approximately 50 nautical miles from the coast.
Waters subject to the jurisdiction of other adjacent countries are not affected. The geographical limits of the US Caribbean Sea ECA can be found in MEPC.1/Circ.755 “Information on the United States Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area under MARPOL Annex VI”
Once the new ECA enters into force, vessels calling at ports falling within US jurisdiction may expect the engine room log book, Oil Record Book, bunker delivery notes, bunker Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other certification and documentation to be examined during routine Port State Control inspections to verify compliance with the new requirements. It is therefore essential that accurate records are maintained, particularly the specification of the fuel consumed within the ECA and details of fuel switching operations.
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ECA requirements can be found inUSCG Policy Letter 12-04. US Caribbean Sea ECA can be found in the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheet“Designation of Emission Control Area to Reduce Emissions from Ships in the U.S. Caribbean” EPA’s website:US Caribbean Emission Control Area |
Source: The West of England P&I Club
