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Last update: 2026/06/02
Instruction by Panama Maritime Authority regarding U.S. and Australian ports pre-arrival checklist for Panamanian flagged vessels
Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has issued MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-381 regarding U.S. pre-arrival checklist for Panamanian flagged vessels in order to decrease the detention number of vessels calling at U.S. ports as informed in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1226 (dated 5 January 2021). We received a notice that MMC-381 was updated from V.03 to V.04 due to partial modification of the aforementioned pre-arrival checklist. In addition, for vessels calling at Australian ports, MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-393 has newly been issued with similar contents as MMC-381. Accordingly, this Technical Information has newly been issued and supersedes the previous Technical Information No.TEC-1226. The outline of the requirements in these circulars is as foThis Technical Information became null and void on 15 Sep 2021.
Instruction by Panama Maritime Authority regarding U.S. Pre-ports arrival checklist for Panamanian flagged vessels
Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has issued MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-381 regarding U.S. Pre-ports arrival checklist for Panamanian flagged vessels in order to decrease the detention numbers of vessels calling in the U.S. ports that may subject to PSC inspections. Please make sure that Panamanian flagged vessels calling in the U.S ports are to prepare the checklist and send it to PMA (psc@amp.gob.pa) by the following deadline, 1. or 2. For details, please refer to the attached "MMC-381" and "U.S. Pre-ports arrival checklist for Panama flagged vessels". 1. Ninety-six hours (96hrs) before arrival at the U.S ports 2. At least twenty-four hours (24hrs) before arrival at the U.S. ports for voyages less than 96 hours Whenever equipment failures or anyThis Technical Information became null and void on 26 Oct 2023.
Application of Cyber Risk Management to U.S. vessels and vessels calling at U.S. ports
Please be informed that the Vessel Cyber Risk Management Work Instruction (CVC-WI-027(1)) was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on October 27, 2020. According to this WI, the USCG expects that all companies with U.S. flagged vessels and foreign flagged vessels that call on ports in the U.S. should ensure cyber risk management is appropriately addressed in their SMS. If objective evidence is identified indicating that the foreign flagged vessel that calls on ports in the U.S. failed to implement its SMS with respect to cyber risk management, the following actions should be directed by the PSCO: 1) If cyber risk management has not been incorporated into the vessel's SMS by the company's first annual verification of the DOC after January 1, 2021, a deficieGuidance for vessels with inoperable ballast water management systems bound for US ports
Although the United States is not signatory to BWM Convention, vessels discharging ballast water into the waters of the U.S. are to comply with the requirements of 33 CFR 151 Subparts C & D. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued CG-CVC Policy Letter 18-02 that gives guidance on evaluating potential courses of action when a vessel bound for a U.S. port has an inoperable ballast water management system (BWMS). A vessel that HAS passed its compliance date and has an inoperable BWMS may use one of the following BWM methods outlines in 33 CFR 151.2025(a). - Use and discharge ballast water obtained exclusively from a U.S. Public Water System (PWS); - Perform complete Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) in an area 200 nautical miles from any shore; - Do nBallast Water Management method when operating in the waters of the United States
Although the United States is not signatory to BWM Convention, vessels discharging ballast water into the waters of the U.S. are to comply with the requirements of 33 CFR 151 Subparts C & D. Recently, the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse has received a number of reports indicating that untreated ballast water exchanges had been undertaken by vessels beyond their compliance date and without a valid Coast Guard extension. Masters, owners/operators, agents and persons-in-charge are reminded vessels beyond their compliance date are to employ one of the following Ballast Water Management methods when operating in the waters of the United States: - Use a U.S. type-approved BWMS to meet the discharge standard; - Use and discharge ballast water obtaAdditional Ballast Water Management System Extension Program Update regarding USCG ballast water management
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has announced the approval of the Coast Guard type approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) and published Marine Safety Information Bulletin (14-16) regarding Ballast Water Management System Extension Program December 2017. (For details, please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1099) USCG also published a further announcement (Marine Safety Information Bulletin, March 6, 2017 (OES-MSIB Number: 003/17). The main contents are as below. 1. The length of compliance date extension is based on vessel's compliance date as follows. (1) Vessels having a compliance date before and including 31 December 2018: - Vessel owners and operators who have identified that a BWMS is available for a vessel but do not haveBallast Water Management System Extension Program Update regarding USCG ballast water management
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has already published the Policy Letter regarding the provision to grant extension to the implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods as provided in 33CFR151 Subparts C and D. (Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1056) USCG published Marine Safety Information Bulletin (14-16) announced the approval of the first Coast Guard type approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) and stated that any owner/operator requesting an extension must provide USCG with an explicit statement supported by documentary evidence that installation of the type approved system is not possible for purposes of compliance with the regulatory implementation schedule. The main contents for extension are asPolicy Letter for extension of implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods (Revision 2) required according to USCG requirements
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has already published the Policy Letter regarding the provision to grant extension to the implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems as provided in 33CFR151.1513 and 151.2036. On 16 November 2015, USCG published the attached new Policy Letter, therefore, the terms of extension of implementation schedule is revised. This new Policy Letter is includes the contents of Marine Safety Information Bulletin published by USCG (Please refer to our Technical information TEC No.1055). Details can be referred to the attached new Policy Letter. In conclusion, notable information of revised new Policy Letter are as follows: 1. An explanationAdditional information regarding USCG ballast water management regulation
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued the rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters. The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254, on 23 March 2012 (Please refer to our Technical information TEC No.0903). New vessels (those constructed on or after December 1, 2013) must install ballast water management system on delivery, and for the existing vessels (other than "the new vessels") it shall be installed by the "first scheduled drydocking" after 1 January 2014 or 1 January 2016 as applicable. In relation to the above, on 25 September 2013, USCG published the Policy letter rApplication method and additional information of extension of implementation of USCG ballast water management regulation
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued the rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters. The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254, on 23 March 2012 (Please refer our Technical information TEC No.0903). Relating to the above, on 25 September 2013, USCG published the Policy letter regarding the provision to grant an extension to the implementation schedule for ballast water management discharge standards for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems as provided in 33CFR151.1513 and 151.2036.（Please refer our Technical information TEC No.0971）. On 10 SepteFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL)(in association with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2013 VGP)
On 18 October 2013, ClassNK issued Technical Information No. 0968 on the subject of "Final 2013 Vessel General Permit issued by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency" (hereinafter referred to as "2013 VGP"). Since the issuance of Technical Information No. 0968, many inquiries, particularly about the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (hereinafter referred to as "EAL"), have been received. Therefore, more detailed explanations about the use of EALs are given in the table below. ClassNK is now issuing a "Statement of Fact" (hereinafter referred to as "SOF") as part of its new "EAL Usage Assessment Service" to verify that a ship is in full compliance with the 2013 VGP requirements. SOFs can be issued for the following cases: (1) An air seal systemAdditional information for "Final 2013 Vessel General Permit issued by US Environmental Protection agency"
2013 Vessel General Permit (herein after, 2013VGP) for discharges of pollutants incidental to their normal operation of vessels has been enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (herein after, EPA) since December 19, 2013. It was notified that "ballast water numeric discharge limitations and implementation schedule of 2013VGP are aligned with that of USCG rules (refer to Technical Information TEC-0968)" and "USCG published the Policy letter regarding the provision to grant a method to make request of extension to the implementation schedule for ballast water management discharge standards for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems (refer to Technical Information TEC-0971)". At this time, Enforcement Response Policy was pNon-Tank Vessel Response Plan (NTVRP) Final Rule issued by USCG
This is to notify that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) published the Final Rule for "Non-Tank Vessel Response Plan" as per the attached Federal Register. This final rule requires owners or operators of self-propelled non-tank vessels (*1) of 400 gross tons or greater that operate on the navigable waters of the United States to prepare and submit oil spill response plans. This final rule is effective from October 30, 2013 and oil spill response plans must be submitted to USCG no later than January 30, 2014. (*1) non-tank vessel Non-tank vessel means a vessel other than tank vessel or a vessel that is not certified as a tank vessel. And tank vessel means a vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material inExtension of implementation schedule for vessels subject to ballast water management (BWM) discharge standards of USCG
United States Coast Guard (USCG) published the Policy letter regarding the provision to grant an extension to the implementation schedule for ballast water management discharge standards for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems as provided in 33CFR151.1513 and 151.2036. When making the extension request, it must provide documentation that despite all efforts to meet the ballast water discharge standard requirements, compliance by the date stipulated in the implementation schedule is not possible for the concerned / subject vessel. The maximum duration of an extension issued by the USCG will not exceed 5 years from the vessel's implementation date. The applicants should recognize that implementation date is the actual date of deliver"Final 2013 Vessel General Permit issued by US Environmental Protection Agency"
2013 Vessel General Permit (herein after, 2013VGP) for discharges of pollutants incidental to their normal operation of vessels, published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (herein after, EPA) on March 28, 2013 will become effective on December 19, 2013. This will replace the 2008 Vessel General Permit (herein after, 2008VGP) which is currently enforced. The vessels which intend to navigate within 3 miles from US territorial waters except recreational vessels are subject to the 2013VGP. The 2013VGP incorporated fish hold effluent to its coverage and made more stringent regulations for the vessels entering Great Lakes. Also, remarkable points added to the 2013VGP are described as follows. Remarkable points added to the permit: 1) BallastAlternate Management Systems based on USCG "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters" (Obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters)
Regarding the rule, being informed by ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0903, related to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters, which is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254 effective on 21 June 2012,this is to notify that a list of foreign type-approved ballast water treatment systems of which the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has accepted as "Alternate Management Systems (AMS)", has been released. AMS is accepted by USCG as a temporary measure to accept a ballast water management system which is approved by IMO, because the approval of USCG is supposed to take long term. A list of AMS, continui"Evaluating a Vessel's Ballast Water Management Plan" published by USCG and introduction of Fouling and Sediment Management
The rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters has already entered into force by United States Coast Guard (USCG). The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters". Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0903 about detail of this rule. According to this rule, the vessels engaged in U.S. Waters are to be provided Ballast Water Management Plan. This time, USCG published "Evaluating a Vessel's Ballast Water Management Plan" so we will inform following matters. From this evaluation, contents of Ballast Water Management Plan are almost the same as required by Ballast Water Management Convention. In addition to tPort State Control (PSC) within North American Emission Control Area (ECA) under MARPOL ANNEX VI by U.S. Coast Guard/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canada
As already advised in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0916 issued on 24 July 2012, the North American ECA has been enforced to apply MARPOL ANNEX VI Reg.14 on 1 August 2012. In relation to the above, U.S. Coast Guard published the PSC procedure and actions in Section 2 of "ECA JOB AID" and the Transport Canada Marine Safety published 12 Inspection items at PSC in "Emission Control Area-North America". Furthermore, U.S. EPA published "Interim Guidance on the Non-Availability of Compliant Fuel Oil for the North American Emission Control Area". With referring the documents attached, please verify the vessel intend to the ECA which comply with Reg.14 and review SMS procedures related to ISM Code 1.4, 5, 7, 9 & 10 in relation to Reg. 14. For any queCommencement of control for SOx and particulate matter (PM) within North American Emission Control Area under MARPOL ANNEX VI.
As already advised in ClassNK Technical Information TEC-0832 issued on 11 November 2010, the control of the sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating within the designated North American Emission Control Area (MARPOL ANNEX VI, Regulation 14) will commence on 1 August 2012. The attached MEPC.1/Circ.723 provides the boundary of the Emission Control Area. After the commencement of the sulphur control, the limit value of the sulphur content of any fuel oils used onboard ships within this area is changed from 3.50% m/m to 1.00% m/m. Therefore, at the time of bunkering, please make sure that the sulphur content of the fuel oil used onboard ship on and after that date satisfies the new limit value (1.00%m/m) unless the ship complies with this requirements thUSCG "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters"(Obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. Waters) and New York State Ballast Water Standards
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued the rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters. The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254, on 23 March 2012 (Hereinafter referred to as "BWDS"). BWDS will become effective on 21 June 2012 after 90 days of issuance of this rule. BWDS is contained in revised 33 CFR Part 151 Subpart C and D (Regulations for ballast water control and management requirements) and 46 CFR Part 162 Subpart 162.060 (Regulations for ballast water management system). Rule requirements of ballast water performance standard are the same as Regulation D-2 of "IntFuel Oil Controls by the State of California, USA
As already advised in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0774 dated 12 June 2009, fuel oils used onboard ships has been regulated by the State of California, USA in its territorial waters. This ClassNK Technical information provides a summary of the fuel requirements revised and will begin enforcement on 1 December 2011. 1. The revised fuel requirements are summarized in the table below. These fuel requirements apply to ocean-going vessel main (propulsion) diesel engines, auxiliary diesel engines and auxiliary boilers.USCG Marine Safety Alert (Inspection of Fuel Oil Quick -Closing Valves)
The U.S. Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Alert (Alert01-11) because the PSC Officers had been discovering Fuel Oil Quick-Closing Valves (QCVs) intentionally blocked, modified, and poorly maintained preventing them from operating as designed during an emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that owners/operators, vessel engineers, PSCOs, Class society and other machinery space inspection personnel ensure: a) The QCV operating system is capable of remotely closing all valves as designed; some systems close valves sequentially and others simultaneously. b) There is maintenance plan in place including technical manuals containing diagrams and information that describe the system components, required spare parts, operation, maintenance and repaiProcedure of PSC exam for Banning of Foreign vessels by USCG
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a directive on the "Banning of Foreign Vessels" (CG-543 Policy Letter 10-03 dated on 1 September 2010), which is a new policy outlining U.S. Coast Guard procedures for denying entry of certain foreign flagged commercial vessels into any port or place in the United States due to their history of operating in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction in a substandard condition, outside acceptable standards. According to this policy, all foreign flagged vessels operating in U.S. waters are required to be maintained in compliance with U.S. regulations, international conventions and other required standards. However, when a vessel has been repeatedly detained by the USCG (totalling three detentions within a twelve monDesignation of North American Emission Control Area under MARPOL ANNEX VI (Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships)
Information on Emission Control Areas (hereinafter referred to as ECA) specified in MARPOL ANNEX VI (hereinafter referred to as ANNEX VI) has already been provided in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0654 issued on 13 April 2006 and No.TEC-0771 issued on 13 May 2009. In this connection, the North American area has been designated as a new ECA in accordance with the amendments to ANNEX VI adopted at the 60th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 60) held in March 2010. The relevant information has been circulated by the IMO as Resolution MEPC.190(60). This ClassNK Technical Information provides information relating to the above matter. 1. Sea area newly designated as ECA The sea area within 200 nautical miles from the coNew York State Ballast Water Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Vessel General Permit (VGP) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) with discharges of pollutants incidental to their normal operation, including but not limited to ballast water discharges, for all vessels with their length of 24 meters (79 feet) or longer, except fishing vessels, which intend to navigate within 3 miles from U.S. territorial waters after 6 February 2009. New York State notifies that each vessel covered under the VGP that operates in New York waters shall have a ballast water treatment system that meets the standards prescribed by the states by not later than 1 January 2012. Furthermore, new ships which are constructed on or after 1 January 2013 coveSurveys and Certification for "Vessel General Permit" required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Vessel General Permit (VGP) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) with discharges of pollutants incidental to their normal operation, including but not limited to ballast water discharges, for all vessels with their length of 24 meters (79 feet) or longer, except fishing vessels, which intend to navigate within 3 miles from U.S. territorial waters after 6 February 2009. The vessel's owner/operator is requested to prepare "Drydock Inspection Reports" defined in clause 4.1.4 of VGP requirement. In this connection ClassNK may cooperate with vessel's owner/operator so as to carry out inspection and prepare the SoF (Statement of Fact) available to the EPA. Upon requeThis Technical Information became null and void on 29 Nov 2011.
Fuel Oil Controls by the State of California, USA
As already advised in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0687 dated 14 December 2006, fuel oils used onboard ships will be newly regulated by the State of California, USA (hereafter referred to as "CA") in its territorial waters. This ClassNK Technical Information provides a summary of the new regulation on fuel oil controls by CA within its territorial waters. Fuel Oil Controls by CA The following requirements are specified in Section 2299.2, Title 13 and Section 93118.2, Title 17, California Code of Regulations. 1. The following fuel oils shall be used by main (propulsion) diesel engines, auxiliary diesel engines (including diesel-electric) and auxiliary boilers installed on "Ocean-going vessel"(1) while these engines are operating within RegulaFuel Oil Controls by the European Union and by the State of California, USA
As already advised in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0620 dated 3 February 2005, fuel oils used onboard ships are regulated by MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX VI as follows: The sulphur content of any fuel oil used onboard ships shall not exceed 4.5% m/m. The sulphur content of fuel oil used onboard ships in a SECA* (Sox Emission Contol Area) shall not exceed 1.5% m/m. * The following sea areas are designated as SECA at the present. A. The Baltic Sea Area (application started on 19 May 2006) B. The North Sea Area (application starts on 22 November 2007) Separately from the above mentioned IMO Regulations, fuel oils used onboard ships are regulated by the European Union (hereafter referred to as "EU") and by the State of California in the USA (hereaBallast Water Management - Reporting Requirement introduced by US Washington State
In relation to ballast water management, ClassNK would advise you that Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife has announced the following requirements. Effective July 1, 2007 no vessel will be permitted to discharge ballast water in Washington State waters that has not undergone adequate open ocean exchange or an alternative form of treatment. Vessels currently operating in state waters must file a one-time report with the state before July 1, 2006 describing what steps they will take to comply with the new law. Vessels entering the state for the first time after July 1, 2006 are required to file the report before, or upon arrival. Completed and signed form should be submitted to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as below Pam Meacham WUSCG PSC Checklist for the implementation of the ISPS Code
To whom it may concern The USCG has issued a PSC programme concerning security related matters as NVIC (Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular) No. 06-03 on 15 December 2003. Subsequently, this circular has been revised on 5 May 2004. The circular contains ISPS Code Exam Booklet to be used for foreign vessels by PSC officials. ClassNK summarized this booklet as a checklist attached herewith. The Society should be grateful if you could utilize this checklist as self-checklist prior to entry into a harbour of the United States as well as other places. 1. Checklist No. 1 (Security Practice) is to be used for inspecting ship's security measures and equipment as well as documents. 2. Checklist No.2 (Expanded Examination) is to be used for an "ExpaAn amendment to the Regulations of California for Oil Spill Prevention and Response
The regulations of California for oil spill prevention and response, regarding Oil Spill Contingency Plans, which previously only applied to tank vessels, have been amended to also apply to nontank vessels (vessels other than oil tankers). The amendment to the regulation applies to nontank vessels of 300 gross tons or greater entering Californian waters. An outline of the amendment is attached for your reference. The amendment to the regulation has also been posted on the internet home page of the authority in charge located at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Ospr/regulation/ntvcplans.htm We recommend that the authority (whose address shown below) should be contacted for further information. Mr. Bud Leland Supervisor Marine Safety Branch 1700K Street, Suite 25Examinations, Testing and Certification Requirements of USA OSHA for Cargo Gears of Ships Loading/Unloading at USA Ports
The information relating to the Amendments to the "Safety and Health Regulations for Longshoring" of the USA "Occupational Safety and Health Administration" (OSHA) has already been shown in NK Technical Information No. 276. Further information has just been received from OSHA in respect of its interpretation of certain requirements and of application thereof, and its summary is shown below. (Some of the following information are same as shown in NK Technical Information No. 276.) 1. The Amendments to the OSHA "Safety and Health Regulations for Longshoring" has been effective since 21 January 1998. 2. The Amendments require cargo gear of all ships loading/unloading at USA ports to be subjected to an annual thorough examination on and after 27 July 199This Technical Information became null and void on 27 Mar 2018.