USA

It has been reported that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, accompanied by the US Coast Guard (USCG), are boarding vessels on the west coast of the US to check compliance with MARPOL Annex VI.

Once on board, the EPA obtains fuel samples, to analyse at their own laboratory to ensure the fuel is compliant with the 1% sulphur content requirements of the North American Emission Control Area (NA ECA).

The NA ECA has been in force since 1 August 2012 and the permissible sulphur content is to be further reduced to 0.1% by 1 January 2015.

The EPA and USCG are reportedly increasing efforts to ensure vessels are compliant with MARPOL Annex VI rules and their intention is to extend a fly-over programme to areas that fall under the US ECA.

Members should ensure that fuel oil changeover procedures are in place, that crew are well trained and proficient in expediting it and that proper records, logs and fuel sampling is being carried out as appropriate.

The EPA's Enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI - Memorandum of Understanding: (MOU) can be read here.