Marine Vapor Control Systems

The Coast Guard announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the amendment of an existing collection of information, as requested by the Coast Guard and described in the final rule published on July 16, 2013. The final rule revised safety regulations for facility and vessel vapor control systems (VCSs) to promote safe VCS operation in an expanded range of activities now subject to current Federal and State environmental requirements, reflect industry advances in VCS technology, and codify the standards for the design and operation of a VCS at tank barge cleaning facilities. The revised regulations increase operational safety by regulating the design, installation, and use of VCSs, but they do not require anyone to install or use VCSs. The OMB must approve any regulatory provisions that constitute a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act, before an agency can enforce those provisions. Having received OMB's approval, the Coast Guard will now enforce collection of information requirements in the final rule. This rulemaking promotes the Coast Guard's maritime safety and stewardship missions.