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).
7/20/2017: Rear Adm. Thomas signs first QUALSHIP 21 certificates with E-Zero designation

The new E-Zero designation is part of the QUALSHIP 21 program, whereby ships are further recognized for achieving a high level of environmental compliance and sustained performance. Approximately 15 percent of existing QUALSHIP 21 ships will receive the E-Zero designation.
7/19/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Facilities transferring oil or hazardous materials in bulk—letter of intent and operations manual
The Coast Guard seeks comments on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for the Facilities Transferring Oil or Hazardous Materials in Bulk—Letter of Intent and Operations Manual without change. A Letter of Intent is a notice to the Coast Guard Captain of the Port that an operator intends to operate a facility that will transfer bulk oil or hazardous materials to or from vessels. An Operations Manual (OM) is also required for this type of facility. The OM establishes procedures to follow when conducting transfers and in the event of a spill.
7/19/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – International Ice Patrol customer survey
The Coast Guard seeks comments on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol (IIP) Customer Survey without change. This information collection provides feedback on the processes of delivery and products distributed to the mariner by the International Ice Patrol.
7/19/2017: Coast Guard seeks applicants for the Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee
The Coast Guard will consider applications for 25 positions that expire or become vacant on May 23, 2018. To be eligible, applicants should have experience regarding the transportation, equipment, and techniques that are used to ship cargo and to navigate vessels on the Lower Mississippi River and its connecting navigable waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico.