Aleutian Islands APC Program August 18, 2016
Agenda APC and the Regulations History of APCs in Alaska The Network s Strategies & Capabilities APC Challenges Key Takeaways
Federal Oil Spill Requirements in Alaska 33 CFR part 155 [vessel related] Subpart D (Tank Vessel Response Plans for Oil) Subpart J (Nontank Vessel Response Plans) 33 CFR 155.5067 Alternative planning criteria [NTV]. (a) When the owner or operator of a nontank vessel believes that national planning criteria contained elsewhere in this part are inappropriate for the areas in which the vessel intends to operate, the vessel owner or operator may submit an alternative planning criteria request to the Coast Guard.
Alaska and APC History APC for Tankers Operating in the Gulf of Alaska - ended APC for ANS tankers sailing to the Far East - ended APC for oil barges operating in Alaska APD&T > 1992 and ongoing APC for tankers operating in Western Alaska Network > 2012 and ongoing APC for nontank vessels operating in Western Alaska Network > 2013 and ongoing Note: APC s have been a part of Alaska for over 20 years
Why an APC in Western Alaska? Remote area - vast coast line - inaccessible area Lack of Infrastructure - lack of seaports & airports - few vessels of opportunities - lack of logistical / population centers Operating environment - mechanical, offshore oil spill response resource recovery approximately 1-6 %, at best, due to prevailing weather conditions Economic consideration - high compliance costs create incentives for using non U.S. ports; sail same area Resources gap + Tyranny of distance + Infrastructure limits and lack of population centers + Exorbitant compliance costs = NPC inappropriate for WAK
The Network s APC Approach A nonprofit focused on reducing the risk of marine casualties and oil spills to reduce the likelihood of an incident from occurring, in addition to enhanced response capabilities. Led by Board of Directors representatives of the owners and operators of vessels seeking compliance to the USCG pollution prevention regulations. Established and administered by Alaskans with over a century of practical experience with Alaska s unique maritime challenges. Has a Captain of the Port-wide focus to support the entire Western Alaska region. [Network remains only APC provider for all Western Alaska.] Invests funds collected back into the system to enhance risk mitigation and response capabilities. Aligned with the goals of the Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment.
Risk Reduction Strategies Key component of the Network s APC is reducing the risk of an incident focus on Risk Mitigation. Use risk reduction measures standards of care approved by stakeholders and the Coast Guard. Sailing on reduced risk routes on all voyages Providing early notification of incidents Network routing measures are consistent with IMO Aleutian Island Areas To Be Avoided (ATBAs). Implement Maritime Domain Management using a 24/7 vessel tracking & monitoring system Monitoring availability of emergency assist vessels Implement shore side emergency vessel assist tools (ETS & arrestors) Enhance Pre-Spill Response capabilities
Maritime Domain Management Real-time 24x7 Monitoring Center by Marine Exchange of Alaska Watch standers interact with vessel Master to ensure: Compliance with Routing Measures Facilitate Route Deviations Provide Awareness re Vessels of Concern Monitor Vessels on Innocent Passage
Western Alaska Response Hubs Alaska Chadux Corporation 17 Hubs
Enhanced Response Resources OSRO Alaska Chadux Corporation over 23 years of experience working oil spill response in Western Alaska. Possesses largest in-state resources: 63 skimming units, for 73,000 bbls/day skimming capacity 110,000 ft of containment boom 1,103,840 gallons of on-water temporary storage 30 Vessels of Opportunity 2 Large Vessel Booming Packages 17 Hubs throughout Western Alaska & Prince William Sound COTP Zone MOU with Alaska-based OSROs to share response resources Agreements with CONUS based response organizations to cascade in out-ofregion resources Remote wildlife response and stabilization capability Immediate response force in each hub
OSRV Sea Strike & OSRB Kittiwake Sea Strike is only fully APC dedicated oil spill response vessel in Western Alaska Oil spill response barge Kittiwake has 23,000 bbls of temporary storage capacity
Research & Development Ship Arrestor Project Large Vessel Arrestor Sea Trials Puget Sound, WA. June 22, 2015
COTP Zone & Subarea Issues COTP - GSA Consistent with regulations Easier to understand and comply Resources available to remote areas Capacity Understanding Awareness Subareas Creating confusion Strands resources Deprives remote areas Compromised enforceability State plans to modify subareas
Arctic Policies Impact Maritime Domain Awareness Resource Capability Consultation In 2015, 452 vessel transits through the Bering Strait and the navigation season extended for 200 days
Challenges with Current APC Approach Subareas not defined in Federal regulations Risk to long term APC viability / and harm to AK capability Confusion with inconsistent approaches Stranding remote areas Complicated enforceability and accountability Impact on US trade to domestic ports
Key Takeaways Network is the only USCG certified APC provider for all of the Captain of the Port Zone Western Alaska zone Modeled after Aleutian Island Risk Assessment Funds are used to build resources and invest in new risk mitigation & response technologies and procedures Largest In-State response resources and capabilities Risk mitigation emphasis needed since NPC response capabilities and timeline cannot be met due to being inappropriate for WAK. Not all gaps can be eliminated only mitigated. Network s goal, as non-profit is the safety of mariners, protection of the environment, and oil spill pollution prevention compliance for vessels operating in Alaska waters
Questions? * AIRA
Background Information Buddy Custard President / Chief Executive Officer Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network (907) 209-5905 Mobile 907-523-0530 Juneau Office (907) 754-3177 Fax 1400 W. Benson Blvd. Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99503 bcustard@ak-mprn.org Steven Gabelein Planning & Technical Services Coordinator Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network (907) 723-0424 Mobile (907) 523-0531 Main (907) 754-3177 Fax 1400 W. Benson Blvd. Suite 220, Anchorage, AK 99503 sgabelein@ak-mprn.org For additional information about the Network APC s www.ak-mprn.org