The U.S. Coast Guard has just published guidelines for the enforcement of the equipment and construction standards mandated by the Port and Tanker Safety Act (PTSA) of 1978. These requirements include segregated ballast tanks, dedicated clean ballast tanks, crude oil washing systems, inert gas systems, improved steering gear standards, and navigation equipment for U.S. tank vessels and foreign-flag tank vessels that enter U.S. waters for commercial service after June 1, 1981.
Titled "Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular No. 1-81, Guidance for Enforcement of the Requirements of the Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978 (PTSA) Pertaining to SBT, CBT, COW, IGS, Steering Gear, and Navigation Equipment for Tank Vessels," the guidelines are intended to facilitate implementation of the PTSA requirements by providing both a uniform procedure for obtaining approval of these requirements and uniform policy regarding enforcement of these requirements.
Free copies may be obtained by requesting NVC 1-81; write: Commandant (G-MP-4/14), USCG, Washington, D.C. 20593.