United States Coast Guard issued a policy letter providing interim guidance to ensure compliance with IMO Resolution MEPC.203(62) by U.S. vessels required to hold MARPOL Annex VI lEE certificates until Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CPR) is revised to reflect U.S. implementation. The policy letter also provides guidance for foreign vessels calling on U.S. ports.
Vessels to which MARPOL applies are required to obtain an IEE Certificate. In the interim, owners and operators of US-flag vessels may voluntarily obtain IEE Certificates in accordance with the policy letter guidelines.
IMO Resolution MEPC.203(62) revises MARPOL AnnexVI to include a new Chapter 4 and implements the mandatory requirements for a new International Energy Efficiency (lEE) Certificate and Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).
On July 15, 2011, the International Maritime Organization formally adopted Resolution MEPC.203(62), which amends MARPOL Annex VI. The requirements of MEPC.203(62) entered into force on January 1, 2013. The requirements of Annex VI Chapter 4 apply to any ship of 400 gross tonnage or more that engages in voyages to ports or offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of other Parties. The list of Parties to Annex VI may be found here under the “Status of Conventions” link. U.S. vessels are not required to obtain an IEE Certificate if they are not engaged in voyages to nations that are party to Annex VI.
USCG, May 15, 2013