MSIB 11-23 was released to alert industry to the changes recently incorporated on the notice of arrival (NOA) form. The form now includes a field titled, “Fuel Type(s)” which allows vessel owners, operators, and agents to specifically indicate which fuel type(s) are being used onboard. This change was incorporated into the form due to the increasing number of vessels domestically and globally which use low flashpoint, novel, or alternative fuels rather than traditional fuel oil.
Because of the specific hazards and risks presented by these fuel types, the Coast Guard works to ensure that specially qualified and trained marine inspectors and/or port state control officers attend required inspections. Vessel owners, operators, and agents are requested to ensure that accurate and complete information is supplied with respect to the fuel type(s) being used onboard via this form. If these parties become aware of inaccurate information relating to the fuel type(s) being placed on the NOA, they should update the form with the appropriate information, and are encouraged to reach out to the local Coast Guard unit to minimize any confusion.
The document along with other current MSIBs can be viewed at on the Coast Guard’s MSIB webpage. For information about this document, questions can be directed to the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) at cg-cvc@uscg.mil.