Single-Hull Tank Vessel Phase-Out

Vessel owners and operators should be aware that the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) phase-out deadline for single-hull tank vessels is January 1, 2015. This means that it will be unlawful to operate any single-hull tank vessel subject to the double-hull requirements of 33 CFR part 157 (including any tank vessel with double sides only or a double bottom only) in US waters on and after that date and that violators will be subject to enforcement. (See http://mariners.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/12/05/1252014-opa-90-single-hull-tank-vessel-phase-out-finalizing-on-january-1/)

WQIS is a financial guarantor/self-insurer for OPA 90 Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR), including single-hull tank vessels. Please be aware that your COFR is not a permit to operate any vessel in US waters in violation of the single-hull tank vessel phase-out deadline. Tank vessel operators must, moreover, continue to maintain the evidence of financial responsibility required by 33 U.S.C. 2716 and 33 CFR part 138, subpart A, and responsible parties and their COFR guarantors will continue to be liable in the event of an OPA 90 incident involving any such vessel.

If you have any questions regarding the single-hull phase-out, please contact WQIS.