Coast Guard Amends Alaska Tug Escort Requirements

On August 19, 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard issued an Interim Rule effective September 18, 2013 confirming that double hull tank vessels over 5,000 gross tons carrying crude oil in Prince William Sound, Alaska must be escorted by two tugs. This requirement has applied to single hull tank vessels since the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and to double hull tank vessels as a result of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (section 701(b)). The Interim Rule confirms the law and existing practice in Prince William Sound. Comments must be submitted by November 18, 2013.