10 December 2013 TO ALL MEMBERS Dear Sirs United States Vessel Response Plans This Circular provides an update on developments since Circular No. 5.483 of 5 December 2013 in respect of the requirement that non-tank shipowners trading to the United States of America should have in place federal Vessel Response Plans by 30 January 2014. OSRO contracts In the previous Circular non-tank owners were advised that although the International Group (IG) Clubs would not be continuing the annual retainer agreements with MSRC or NRC, in order to effect a smooth transition, NRC are agreeable to extend their retainer so that it remains in place until 30 January 2014. We can now report that the retainer arrangement with MPA/MSRC has been similarly extended. Dispersants The previous Circular also advised Members to amend Section 2.01(e) of MSRC’s Service Agreement in order to avoid being potentially exposed to liabilities that fall beyond the scope of Club cover. MSRC have now agreed that no Dispersant Addendum will be required from shipowners (tank and non-tank), and that neither the Addendum nor Section 2.01 (e) will be included in the package sent to shipowners so that shipowners will not need to agree to this section when signing a contract with MSRC and thus will only be required to contract on terms which conform with club cover. However, in order to provide evidence that MSRC will offer dispersant services, all Members are recommended to ensure that MSRC includes additional documentation confirming that it will deliver these services to the customer notwithstanding the absence of Section 2.01(e). All Members are also advised to seek confirmation that any Dispersant Addenda previously entered into with MRSC has been terminated. Yours faithfully A BILBROUGH & CO LTD (MANAGERS) 5:485