Coast Guard bill adopted

The U.S. Senate has adopted the conference report version of Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (H.R. 2443)--and perhaps the most significant element is what is apparently NOT in it. The requirement for the Coast Guard to approve the security plans of foreign-flag vessels looks to have gone away.

Things that are in the legislation include a requirement for non-tank vessels of 400 gross tons and up to have oil spill response plans. Click here to see the House Transportation Committee's summary.

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