Frequently Asked Questions
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- Radar
- Radio navigation receivers
- Gyrocompass
- Echo depth sounding device
- Primary steering gear
When submitting your eNOA/D to the National Vessel Movement Center, the agent at the port of call should be listed as the 24 Hour Contact. Local USCG offices use this contact number to confirm port specific information that the local agents are best able to provide.
Company Security Officer · Port Facility Security Officer · Controlling government In the U.S. the controlling government (USCG) should be contacted by calling the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802. This is the same number to call in the event of an oil or chemical spill in U.S. waters.
Under the California Clean Coast Act, which came into effect on January 1, 2006, vessels with “sufficient” sewage and grey water holding tank capacities will be required to retain sewage waste and grey water onboard and either pump the waste to a facility capable of receiving the waste or discharging it outside the 3-mile State limit. If a vessel is capable of complying with the act and discharges waste water within the State waters or a marine sanctuary then the vessel is required to report the discharge and is subject to a penalty. If the vessels’ sewage holding tank equipment is not sufficient for the crew onboard, or the vessel does not have a holding tank onboard, then the vessel will not be in violation of the Act and is not required to report the discharge. Sewage (blackwater) is still sewage even after it is treated. So, if a ship has adequate storage for treated sewage it may not discharge the treated sewage. What we need to emphasize is that a ship has to hold gray and black water wastes onboard only if they have sufficient storage capacity. If they have adequate storage capacity and they still discharge the waste they must report it. If the ship does not have adequate storage capacity, it may discharge the wastes overboard and would not have to report the discharge. So, you only report a discharge if you have adequate storage capacity and you discharge in spite of that. The same situation exists if there is a reception facility where the ship is berthed and the ship has the means to pump the waste ashore. The law does not require a ship to specifically move to a berth with reception facilities, for this purpose. It just says that a ship must use the reception facility if it is available and if the ship has the means (piping system, etc). So if the vessel discharges waste when it could have pumped them ashore, they will have to report the discharge.
96 Hours prior to arrival US: Advanced eNOAD submission is required. Specific requirements are listed in 33 CFR 160.206. Within 48 hours of arrival: 33 CFR 164.25(d): d) No vessel may enter, or be operated on the navigable waters of the United States unless the emergency steering drill described below has been conducted within 48 hours prior to entry and logged in the vessel logbook, unless the drill is conducted and logged on a regular basis at least once every three months. This drill must include at a minimum the following: (1) Operation of the main steering gear from within the steering gear compartment. (2) Operation of the means of communications between the navigating bridge and the steering compartment. (3) Operation of the alternative power supply for the steering gear if the vessel is so equipped. No more than 12 hours prior to entering/departing: (1) Primary and secondary steering gear. The test procedure includes a visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting linkage, and, where applicable, the operation of the following: (i) Each remote steering gear control system. (ii) Each steering position located on the navigating bridge. (iii) The main steering gear from the alternative power supply, if installed. (iv) Each rudder angle indicator in relation to the actual position of the rudder. (v) Each remote steering gear control system power failure alarm. (vi) Each remote steering gear power unit failure alarm. (vii) The full movement of the rudder to the required capabilities of the steering gear. (2) All internal vessel control communications and vessel control alarms. (3) Standby or emergency generator, for as long as necessary to show proper functioning, including steady state temperature and pressure readings. (4) Storage batteries for emergency lighting and power systems in vessel control and propulsion machinery spaces. (5) Main propulsion machinery, ahead and astern. For 12 hour tests: make the following log entry: "Date:_______; Conducted test of the following items in accordance with 33 CFR 164.25. All items tested satisfactory. Primary and secondary steering gear and all associated equipment, tested all internal communications and alarms. Tested emergency generator, emergency lighting, and main propulsion ahead and astern."
All vessels must submit an Electronic Notice of Arrival (ENOA) for each U.S. port. The ENOA must be submitted at least 96 hours prior to arrival. For voyages less than 96 hours, the ENOA must be submitted prior to departure from the previous port AND at least 24 hours prior to arrival at the port of destination. Changes of ETA of +/- six hours must be reported as updates. A separate ENOA is required for each U.S. port. Updating a previous ENOA by changing the port is not acceptable. A Notice of Departure must be submitted no less that 30 minutes prior to departure from the LAST U.S. port on a voyage. Information required in the ENOA is listed in 33 CFR 160.206. ENOA may only be submitted in one of two formats: 1) Via email using Microsoft InfoPath software and the ENOA templates; or 2) via internet portal. Faxes or emails with MS Excel or MS Word attachments DO NOT meet the ENOA requirements. Many U.S. agents offer ENOA submittal services. Full details, instructions, and FAQ regarding ENOA requirements and procedures are available on the National Vessel Movement Center’s website at http://www.nvmc.uscg.gov. The Frequently Asked Questions link is also helpful.