USCG Guidelines "Evaluating Potential Courses of Action for Inoperable BWM System"
Overview
The USCG Policy Letter 18-02 provides guidance to vessel masters, owners, operators, agents, and persons in charge of vessels subject to Subparts C and D of Part 151 of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (33 CFR 151 Subparts C and D) as well as Coast Guard personnel when evaluating potential courses of action when a vessel destined for a US port has an inoperable ballast water management system (BWMS).
It should be noted that a lack of consumables that render a BWMS inoperable does not meet the intent of "stops operating properly" and will not be justification to employ an alternative management method.
All ships calling the US should preferably be made aware of the guidance provided by Policy Letter 18-02.
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
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