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The Coast Guard is reopening the comment period on the draft Alternate Planning Criteria (APC) National Guidelines. The available draft is the same as that which was made available for comment in May 2016. The APC Guidelines would provide the maritime industry with updated information on the development and submission of an APC request made pursuant to existing regulations. In addition to providing guidance to vessel owners and operators on developing APC requests, the APC Guidelines would also facilitate consistency in the review of APC requests by Coast Guard personnel.

The Coast Guard is aware of APC’s critical role in tank and non-tank vessel response preparedness, and therefore desires to thoroughly consider all facets of the policy’s implementation. Although open to any comments, the Coast Guard is specifically interested in comments related to the economic impact of the policy, especially in remote areas. Additionally, the Coast Guard is interested in public comment regarding the exercise and verification aspects of the policy.

Comments previously submitted do not need to be submitted again. Any comments must reach the Coast Guard by April 10, 2017.

For additional information, please view the entire Federal Register notice.

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