NEAH BAY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TOWING VESSEL

In 2009 the Washington State legislature passed ESSB 5344 which became effective July 1, 2010 (the “Act”). This Act requires all Covered Vessels to provide an emergency response system (ERS) that includes an emergency response towing vessel (“ERTV”) stationed at Neah Bay, Washington, if a Covered Vessel transits the ERTV Transit Area.The Act defines the ERTV Transit Area to cover all Covered Vessel transits to or from a Washington port through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, except for transits extending no further west than Race Rocks Light.Contingency plans for Covered Vessels operating in the Strait of Juan de Fuca must now also enroll with the ERTV Compliance Group for coverage. Enrollment with ERTV Compliance Group is done using the ERTV Enrollment Form. WSMC members can use their combined WSMC/ERTV Schedule of Vessel Information with the ERTV Enrollment Form. More information on the ERS and ERTV, assessment schedules and FAQs can be found on the ERS webpage.