Browse: Departments   Dates   Agencies  

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

CFR Citation: 33 CFR Parts 151 and 158

USC ID: [USCG-2006-26341]

NOTICE: RULES

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of availability.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Revised MARPOL Annex II and IBC Code Implementation: Publication of Guidelines

DATES: The Coast Guard issued NVIC 03-06 on November 28, 2006.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 0306, titled ``Guidance on Implementation of Revisions to MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code.'' This NVIC provides guidelines on how the revisions to Annex II of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL), and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) will be implemented in the U.S. These revisions come into force internationally on January 1, 2007.

SUMMARY: MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code revisions; implementation guidance,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

In a letter to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) dated October 10, 2006, the Coast Guard sought to explain the effect of the revised Annex II and amended IBC Code for foreign ships trading at U.S. ports and U.S.flag ships trading at foreign ports. That letter also advised the IMO that a relevant NVIC would be forthcoming and available online. On November 28, 2006, the Coast Guard issued NVIC 0306. NVIC 0306 provides guidance to foreign and U.S. vessels operating in U.S. waters that carry Noxious Liquid Substances (NLSs) in bulk, reception facilities that handle these products, and Coast Guard personnel conducting inspections and examinations. This NVIC addresses numerous implementation issues for owners and operators of vessels and reception facilities, and Coast Guard personnel with respect to the revised MARPOL Annex II, IBC Code, and current U.S. regulations. The Coast Guard encourages all affected parties to review NVIC 0306 to ensure compliance with the revisions to MARPOL Annex II, IBC Code, and all applicable U.S. regulations. NVIC 0306 encourages voluntary compliance, but is not intended to and does not impose legally binding requirements on any party outside the Coast Guard.

Dated: November 29, 2006.
J. G. Lantz,
Director of National and International Standards, Office of the Assistant Commandant for Prevention.
[FR Doc. E621335 Filed 121406; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491015P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT For questions on this notice, contact LT Jennifer Stockwell, Hazardous Materials Standards Division, U.S. Coast Guard, telephone 2023721419, email: Hazmat@comdt.uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 2024930402.