On October 1, 2020, amendments to MARPOL 73/78 entered into force permitting vessels to electronically record discharges, transfers, and other reportable operations required under Annexes I, II, V and VI in Electronic Record Books (ERB); see IMO Resolution MEPC.314(74).

Coast Guard Port State Control Officers (PSCO) and Marine Inspectors will begin examining ERBs in a similar manner as written record books. Vessel representatives should be prepared to provide the PSCO with written confirmation from the Flag Administration that the electronic system meets the criteria provided in IMO Resolution MEPC.312(74).

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 publications, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These publications remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.