Vessel Contingency Plan Core Requirements
The Vessel Contingency Plans program ensures the compliance of more than 1500 contingency plans for vessels that operate within California's marine waters. These plans are mandated to have a Qualified Individual (QI) with in-depth knowledge of the plan, a certified Spill Management Team (SMT) capable of seamlessly integrating into the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, a contracted rated Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO), a contract for salvage and marine firefighting, as well as comprehensive insurance coverage, California Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) in the event of an oil spill.
Vessel Contingency Plan Regulations
The vessel contingency plan regulations were established to protect the state's environment and natural resources from the harmful effects of oil spills. Oil spills can have devastating effects on the environment, including damage to marine life, ecosystems, and recreational areas, as well as economic impacts on the fishing and tourism industries. To mitigate these risks, regulations were established to set standards for the prevention, response, and cleanup of oil spills. By requiring oil transporters to take preventative measures and adhere to strict reporting and cleanup protocols, the regulations aim to minimize the environmental and economic impacts of oil spills in California.
The California vessel contingency plan regulatory requirements are established in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1, Chapter 3, subchapter 3, Sections 815.01 – 818.03 for tank vessels and subchapter 4, Sections 825.01 – 827.02 for non-tank vessels. Tank vessels carrying oil as cargo and non-tank vessels over 300 gross tons are required to have a valid State of California Contingency Plan on file. All tank and non-tank vessels are required to submit a plan, or an amendment or an update to a plan, which is received by RCPU at least five working days or seven calendar days prior to entering California's marine waters. The Vessel Contingency Plans team reviews and approves all vessel contingency plans according to the following regulations:
Learn more about OSPR's Regulations on the OSPR Regulations page.
Gross Tonnage Guidance
OSPR regulates non-tank vessels exceeding 300 gross tons. US-flagged vessels on domestic voyages have Gross Regulatory Tonnage (GRT). Vessels traveling internationally have an International Tonnage Certificate (ITC), but they may also have GRT. This is referred to as dual tonnage, and becasue GRT and ITC are measured using different conventions, these numbers will differ. To determine whether a non-tank vessel is subject to OSPR's regulations, OSPR offers the following guidance:
- If a vessel voyages to California from outside US waters, OSPR uses ITC.
- If a vessel has dual tonnage...
- and operates outside US waters, OSPR uses ITC.
- and only operates in US waters, OSPR uses GRT.
Vessel Contingency Plan Submittal
All requests related to California vessel oil spill contingency new plans, renewals, revision updates, general inquiries or questions should be addressed to CPlanRevisions@wildlife.ca.gov.
Vessel contingency plan documents are submitted to OSPR via a Large File Transfer (FTP) server. All plan preparers or plan holders require a password protected individual account to upload their documents. Email CPlanRevisions@wildlife.ca.gov to request an account to upload vessel contingency plan submissions.
Certificates of Financial Responsibility
OSPR issues Certificates of Financial Responsibility (COFR) to vessels and facilities after they have provided an application and proof that they have the financial resources to cover the costs of response for their “reasonable worst-case spill” volume as defined by regulation.
Learn more about COFR requirements and application process on OSPR’s Financial Responsibility page.
Oil Spill Response Organizations
Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) is a specialized company or organization that provides oil spill response services, including containment, cleanup, and mitigation of oil spills. OSROs are typically contracted by companies that operate in the oil and gas industry and other entities that are required to a California Contingency Plan. OSROs must be prepared to respond to spills of various sizes and types on a specific timeline, and they must have the necessary equipment, personnel, and training to do so safely and effectively. All California vessel contingency plans are required to have an OSRO.
Learn more about OSROs on OSPR’s Oil Spill Response Organizations page.
Spill Management Teams
Spill management teams (SMT) provide personnel who fill incident command system (ICS) positions in an organization managing a spill response. Under the National Incident Management System (NIMS), oil spill responses are managed by a unified command with representation from federal, state, and local trustee agencies, as well as from the
responsible party. All plans are required to have an OSPR certified SMT on file. OSPR’s current list of certified SMTs and their contact information:
Learn more about SMTs on OSPR’s Spill Management Teams page.
Drills and Exercises
Each contingency plan must describe the vessel's drill and exercise
program that meets the requirements of Section 820.1 of subchapter 3.6,
to ensure that the elements of the plan will function in the case of an
emergency.
Learn about the requirements on OSPR’s Drills and Exercises page.
Consultants
While contingency plan holders have the option to submit their plans themselves, they may also choose to use a consultant to assist with the process. OSPR does not require the use of a consultant. However, it can be helpful for plan holders who may not have the expertise or resources to create a comprehensive plan.
Consultants may provide guidance on regulatory requirements, risk assessment, response strategies, and training, ensuring that plans meet all necessary criteria. Please note OSPR does not recommend or endorse any specific consultants.
The following is a list of current consultants who submit plans on behalf of plan holders. Plan holders are not limited to employing consultants from this list.
CDFW Public Record Act Requests
Oil Spill Contingency Plans submitted to OSPR for approval are available for review. A Public Records Act request can be submitted for review of a plan. Copies of the plans will be provided in accordance with the Public Records Act. A list of currently available plans for public review are listed in the link below.
Email questions about Public Request Act requests for vessel contingency plans to CPlanRevisions@wildlife.ca.gov.