Web Alert: Guidance for members on one time port waivers for VRPs and NTVRPs in the US

The club has been made aware of a delay of three to four weeks to process vessel additions to an approved vessel response plan (VRP) or non-tank vessel response plan (NTVRP).

This has resulted in some ships trading to the US on short notice and without an approved VRP being denied entry. In cases where a new VRP or a vessel addition to an existing VRP has been submitted but is not approved, the only option for shipowners is to obtain a 'one-time waiver' (OTW) from each USCG sector that the ship will call at on that voyage. The OTW approval process by the USCG can also take some time to process.

Attached is an article written by Blank Rome that provides general guidance to members on the process for requesting a one-time port waiver for a VRP or NTVRP.

Members should be aware that coming to the US on short notice and without an approved VRP or NTVRP can lead to a ship being placed off-hire for the waiting period and significant damages and losses by shipowners.