ata
2013-05-17 18:18:25
The USCG has released a new guidance letter on Marpol, which is the act governing pollution from garbage discharged from ships. You should already have placards on your boats outlining the garbage rules, which have now changed. At first glance it doesn't look too much different for small vessels fishing within 12 miles, but check it out yourself to make sure you are familiar with the rules. Apparently some albacore vessels have already been boarded. This is an international law.
The attached letter includes something you can post in place of your existing placard/decal until you can find a new one. So far, USCG has not had any to share, but I will keep asking. If you get a dockside inspection, you might ask the inspectors if they have them. In the meantime, any printing shop should be able to laminate the chart in the attachment for you. And,apparently, as long as you aren't violating the rules, the USCG will be lenient for awhile if you still have the old decal. Still, it might be a good idea to at least have the letter with the new chart within easy reach on the boat, just in case.
Give a hoot - don't pollute.=)
Dale
ATA