For many years, the US has required that tankers have an approved Tank Vessel Response Plan on board and a “qualified individual” within the US with full authority to implement removal actions in the event of an oil spill incident. These requirements are to be extended to cover non-tank self-propelled vessels of 400 gt or greater that carry oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion and that operate in US navigable waters. It is anticipated that this will take effect from August 8, 2005. Given the short time before this deadline, and the length of time necessary to develop and publish regulations, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is providing interim guidance to help owners and operators begin the process of developing these plans.

The USCG has advised that, in the event that regulations are not in effect on August 9, 2005, it may issue a two-year authorisation letter allowing a vessel to operate without an approved response plan provided that the submitted plan:

Until superseded by regulations, vessels must have a valid authorization letter in order to operate on or after August 9, 2005. To avoid a disruption of operation, the USCG encourages owners and operators to submit their response plans as soon as possible.