33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2002-07-01 2002-07-01 false Reporting requirements. 151.15 Section 151.15 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) POLLUTION VESSELS CARRYING OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, GARBAGE, MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, AND BALLAST WATER Implementation of MARPOL 73/78 and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty as it Pertains to Pollution from Ships Oil Pollution
§ 151.15 Reporting requirements.

(a) The Master or other person having charge of a ship involved in an incident referred to in paragraph (e) of this section, shall report the particulars of such incident without delay and to the fullest extent possible in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(b) In the event of the ship referred to in paragraph (a) of this section being abandoned, or in the event of a report from such ship being incomplete or unobtainable, the owner, charterer, manager or operator of the ship, or their agents shall, to the fullest extent possible assume the obligations placed upon the Master or other person having charge of the ship under the provisions of this section.

(c) Each report shall be made by radio whenever possible, but in any case by the fastest available means at the time the report is made.

(d) Reports shall be directed to the appropriate officer or agency of the government of the country in whose waters the incident occurs. Additionally, for incidents involving U.S. ships, the reports shall be directed to either the nearest Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) or to the National Response Center (NRC), toll free telephone number 800-424-8802, telex number 892427.

(e) The report shall be made whenever an incident involves—

(1) A discharge other than as permitted under this part; or

(2) A discharge permitted under this part by virtue of the fact that—

(i) It is for the purpose of securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea; or

(ii) It results from damage to the ship or its equipment; or

(3) The probability of a discharge referred to in paragraphs (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this section.

(f) Each report shall contain—

(1) The identity of the ship;

(2) The time and date of the occurrence of the incident;

(3) The geographic position of the ship when the incident occurred;

(4) The wind and sea condition prevailing at the time of the incident;

(5) Relevant details respecting the condition of the ship; and

(6) A statement or estimate of the quantity of oil or oily mixtures discharged or likely to be discharged into the sea.

(g) Each person who is obligated under the provisions of this section to send a report shall—

(1) Supplement the initial report, as necessary, with information concerning further developments; and

(2) Comply as fully as possible with requests from affected countries for additional information concerning the incident.

(h) A report made under this section will satisfy the reporting requirement of § 153.203 of this chapter.