American Club Circular No. 28/13 1 OCTOBER 1, 2013 CIRCULAR NO. 28/13 TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Dear Member: UNITED STATES NON-TANK VESSEL RESPONSE PLANS The Final Rule addressing non-tank vessel response plans was published yesterday, September 30, 2013, in the Federal Register, Vol. 78, No. 189. Members are advised that non-tank vessel owners are required to submit their vessel response plan to the United States Coast Guard by January 30, 2014. For the purpose of preparing a Vessel Response Plan, a non-tank vessel is defined as a selfpropelled, non-tank vessel of 400 gross tons or greater, that carries oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion and that operates on the navigable waters of the United States. Non-tank vessel owners will also be required to enter into funding agreements with salvors and marine fire-fighting resources. The terms of such agreements will be reviewed to ensure that they conform with the International Group Guidelines on Vessel Response Plans. The Final Rule is currently being reviewed and a further circular will be issued to Members in due course. Yours faithfully, Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEO Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for THE AMERICAN CLUB All clubs in the International Group have issued similar circulars.