The Coast Guard recently published Change 1 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 4-87: Reporting of Inadequate Port Reception Facilities.

The change updates guidance for U.S. vessel owners and operators for voluntary reporting of inadequate port reception facilities (PRFs) in countries that are party to Annexes I, II, V, and VI of The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, as amended, (MARPOL). It also provides guidance for U.S. and foreign vessel owners and operators for reporting inadequate PRFs at U.S. ports and terminals. Finally, this guidance clarifies how reports of inadequate PRFs are handled by the U.S. as a port and flag state, taking into consideration international regulations and obligations as a party to MARPOL, recent amendments to MARPOL Annexes, and recommended guidance published by IMO.

Captains of the Port shall ensure compliance with this circular in accordance with references identified in the document. Questions regarding implementation of this circular should be directed to the Office of Port and Facility Compliance, Cargo and Facilities Division (CG-FAC-2) at (202) 372-1145 or by email at HQS-PF-fldr-CG-FAC-2@uscg.mil.

Review the updated NVIC 4-87 for full details.

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.