Benefits of the NTVRP revealed

And now Philip Stephenson, of the Standard Club, outlines a recent casualty in US waters

A phone call from the master at four o’clock in the morning saying your containership has run aground in US waters and is spilling oil may be one of your “nightmare” scenarios. The requirement since 30 January 2014 that non-tank vessels trading in US waters must submit vessel response plans (NTVRPs) with the US Coast Guard (USCG), ensures shipowners should at least have the initial systems in place for dealing with a major casualty. However, owners need to appreciate the number of parties who may become involved and your P&I Club must have a strong grip on the necessity and costs of the resources deployed.