The EPA issued drafts of two vessel general permits seeking to regulate discharge from commercial vessels (military and recreational vessels are excluded) on November 30. The draft permits – (1) Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to The Normal Operation of Vessels (VGP) and (2) Small Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to
Coast Guard proposes changes to Inspection of Towing Vessels regulations
The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed significant changes to the regulations concerning the Inspection of Towing Vessels and arguably eliminating the class of vessels formerly known as uninspected towing vessels. The Coast Guard has established a deadline of December 9, 2011, to receive public comments, which can be made at the following link: www.regulations.gov and
Competing Interests Collide Over Proposed New Legislation for Oil and Gas Rigs and Vessels
Rep. Jeff Landry (R-LA) has added a provision to the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011, currently under consideration in Congress, which would require the owner/operator of any offshore rig or vessel engaged in drilling, plugging and abandoning or workover operations to maintain a standby rescue vessels within 3 nautical miles.
The provision
Enforcing Internet Terms and Conditions in Maritime Contracts
The U.S. Fifth Circuit, in One Beacon Ins. Co. v. Crowley Marine Servs., Inc., concluded that, under the general maritime law applicable to ship repair contracts, the indemnity and insurance requirements of the vessel owner will be enforceable if they are set forth on an Internet website and clearly incorporated by reference into the