Lloyd's Register Classification News: Two Key Statutory Alerts (Nos. 29 & 30)

Classification News delivers up-to-date information on issues requiring urgent and immediate dissemination to the marine industry; in this case, United States Vessel Discharge Permits and Counterfeit emergency escape breathing devices.

• United States Vessel Discharge Permits

With effect from December 19, 2008, discharges which are ‘incidental to normal operation’* will be controlled by regulations issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Counterfeit emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs)

The U.S. Coast Guard has recently advised that counterfeit Unitor model UNISCAPE 15H EEBD emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs) are being sold to ship operators and placed on board commercial vessels. It is strongly recommended that all vessel owners and operators with EEBDs on board carefully and thoroughly inspect them for authenticity. If any doubt exists as to their authenticity, they should immediately contact their emergency equipment vendors and/or the manufacturer for verification or to arrange replacement.