Large OSV license - extension of 6,000 ton ITC
The latest text in HR3619 2010-2011 Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill. The Senate passed it's own version, but it looks as though the text is staying through the reconciliation process by the (Engrossed Amendment Senate - EAS) version.
SEC. 904. OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS.
(a) Removal of Tonnage Limits-
(1) Definition-
(A) Section 2101(19) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking `of more than 15 gross tons but less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title'.
(B) Exemption- Section 5209(b)(1) of the Oceans Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-587; 46 U.S.C. 2101 note) is amended by striking `vessel.' and inserting `vessel of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of title 46, United States Code, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of such title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of such title.'.
(2) Application- Section 3702(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
(b) Scale of Employment: Able Seamen- Section 7312(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`(d) Individuals qualified as able seamen--offshore supply vessels under section 7310 of this title may constitute all of the able seamen required on board a vessel of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title or an alternate tonnage as measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title engaged in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources. Individuals qualified as able seamen--limited under section 7308 of this title may constitute all of the able seamen required on board a vessel of at least 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title engaged in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources.'.
(c) Minimum Number of Licensed Individuals- Section 8301(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`(b)(1) An offshore supply vessel of less than 500 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title or 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title on a voyage of less than 600 miles shall have a licensed mate. If the vessel is on a voyage of at least 600 miles, however, the vessel shall have 2 licensed mates.
`(2) An offshore supply vessel shall have at least one mate. Additional mates on an offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title shall be prescribed in accordance with hours of service requirements (including recording and record keeping of that service) prescribed by the Secretary.
`(3) An offshore supply vessel of more than 200 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title, may not be operated without a licensed engineer.'.
(d) Watches- Section 8104(g) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting `(1)' after `(g)'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(2) Paragraph (1) applies to an offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title if the individuals engaged on the vessel are in compliance with hours of service requirements (including recording and record-keeping of that service) as prescribed by the Secretary.'.
(e) Oil Fuel Tank Protection-
(1) Application- An offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title that is constructed under a contract entered into after the date of enactment of this Act, or that is delivered after August 1, 2010, with an aggregate capacity of 600 cubic meters or more of oil fuel, shall comply with the requirements of Regulation 12A under Annex I to the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, entitled Oil Fuel Tank Protection, regardless of whether such vessel is engaged in the coastwise trade or on an international voyage.
(2) Definition- In this subsection the term `oil fuel' means any oil used as fuel in connection with the propulsion and auxiliary machinery of the vessel in which such oil is carried.
(f) Regulations-
(1) In general- Not later than January 1, 2012, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall promulgate regulations to implement the amendments and authorities enacted by this section for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of title 46, United States Code, and to ensure the safe carriage of oil, hazardous substances, and individuals in addition to the crew on such vessels. The final rule issued pursuant to such rulemaking may supersede the interim final rule promulgated under paragraph (2) of this subsection. In promulgating regulations under this subsection, the Secretary shall take into consideration the characteristics of offshore supply vessels, their methods of operation, and their service in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources.
(2) Interim final rule authority- As soon as is practicable and without regard to the provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary shall issue an interim final rule as a temporary regulation implementing this section (including the amendments made by this section) for offshore supply vessels of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of title 46, United States Code, and to ensure the safe carriage of oil, hazardous substances, and individuals in addition to the crew on such vessels.
(3) Interim period- After the effective date of this Act, prior to the effective date of the regulations prescribed by paragraph (2) of this subsection, and without regard to the provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and the offshore supply vessel tonnage limits of applicable regulations and policy guidance promulgated prior to the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may--
(A) issue a certificate of inspection under section 3309 of title 46, United States Code, to an offshore supply vessel of at least 6,000 gross tons as measured under section 14302 of this title if the Secretary determines that such vessel's arrangements and equipment meet the current Coast Guard requirements for certification as a cargo and miscellaneous vessel; and
(B) authorize a master, mate or engineer who possesses an ocean or near coastal license under part 10 of subchapter B of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, (or any successor regulation) which qualifies the licensed officer for service on offshore supply vessels of more than 3,000 gross tons, as measured under section 14302 of title 46, United States Code, to operate offshore supply vessels of 6,000 gross tons or greater, as measured under such section.
"Captain standard operating procedure for decision making is to do what feels right to you at the time, and then to give logical sounding justifications for what you were already going to do anyway" -
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Originally Posted by seadog!
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