US EPA 2013 VGP Requirements come into effect 19 December 2013
On 28 March 2013, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the 2013 Vessel General Permit (2013 VGP) to regulate discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels. As the 2013 VGP becomes effective on 19 December 2013, about 12,500 foreign flagged vessels are expected to be subject to the updated VGP requirements and be required to obtain authorization under this new permit. New ships (built after 19 December 2013) will be obliged to comply with various new requirements, such as ballast water treatment and monitoring of treated bilge and grey water.
The EPA has added training as a new requirement of the 2013 VGP, requiring vessel operators to outline their training plans in order to ensure that all key vessel personnel sufficiently understand the nature of eligible discharges and the terms of the permit, and are properly trained to respond to fuel spills and operate and maintain the pollution prevention equipment of their vessels.