The US Coast Guard (USCG) announced that on October 1st 2020, new amendments entered into force which permit vessels to electronically record discharges, transfers, and other reportable operations required under Annexes I, II, V and VI in Electronic Record Books (ERB).
Accordingly, Coast Guard Port State Control Officers (PSCO) and Marine Inspectors will begin examining ERBs in a similar manner as written record books.
USCG advises that
Vessel representatives should be prepared to provide the PSCO with written confirmation from the Flag Administration that the electronic system meets the criteria provided in IMO Resolution MEPC.312(74).
The amendments follow resolutions adopted at Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 74 in May 2019, and are applicable to:
- Oil Record Book, parts I and II
- Cargo Record Book
- Garbage Record Book, parts I and II
- Ozone-depleting Substances Record Book
- Recording of the tier and on/off status of marine diesel engines
- Record of Fuel Oil Changeover; and
- Record Book of Engine Parameters.
