The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 removed the size limit on offshore supply vessels (OSVs). The Act also directed the Coast Guard to issue, as soon as is practicable, a regulation to implement section 617 of the Act and to ensure the safe carriage of oil, hazardous substances, and individuals in addition to the crew on vessels of at least 6,000 gross tonnage as measured under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (6,000 GT ITC).
Accordingly, the Coast Guard's rule will address design, manning, carriage of personnel, and related topics for OSVs of at least 6,000 GT ITC. This rulemaking will meet the requirements of the Act and will support the Coast Guard's mission of marine safety, security, and stewardship.
Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS)
Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda
Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Statement of Need: In section 617 of Public Law 111-281, Congress removed OSV tonnage limits and instructed the Coast Guard to promulgate regulations to implement the amendments and authorities of section 617. Additionally, Congress directed the Coast Guard to ensure the safe carriage of oil, hazardous substances, and individuals in addition to the crew on OSVs of at least 6,000 GT ITC.
Summary of the Legal Basis: The statutory authority to promulgate these regulations is found in section 617(f) of Public Law 111-281.
Alternatives: The Coast Guard Authorization Act removed OSV tonnage limits and the Coast Guard will examine alternatives during the development of the regulatory analysis.
Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The Coast Guard is currently developing a regulatory impact analysis of regulations that ensure the safe carriage of oil, hazardous substances, and individuals in addition to the crew on OSVs of at least 6,000 GT ITC. A potential benefit of this rulemaking is the ability of industry to expand and take advantage of new commercial opportunities in the building of larger OSVs.
Risks: No risks.
