LA/LB Issues Tug Escort Proposal

The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding guidelines for tank vessel escorts for Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbors. A public meeting will be held in Long Beach on June 15. Written comments on the NPRM should be submitted by the same date. The Proposed Amendments would, among other things, impose STCW hours of rest requirements on tug crews, even though the STCW does not directly apply to the tugs. The rationale for the proposal is discussed in the Initial Statement of Reasons. (HK Law)