Products:
COFR
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (Water Pollution) - abbreviated COFR
For many years already we assist operators to obtain a COFR where required. For this purpose we have established good contacts with the various market parties involved as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.
Which vessels require a COFR
Vessels of 300 GT and above, calling at waters under U.S. jurisdiction are required to have a valid Certificate of Financial Responsibility (Water Pollution) on board.
What is a COFR
A COFR is a Federal Certificate issued by the US Coast Guard and is to evidence that operators can meet their obligations in case of a water pollution in accordance with certain US pollution laws.
Non Compliance with Regulations
In case of any calls made without a valid COFR certificate on board, the vessel involved can be detained or denied access to such waters with operators risking huge fines for non compliance with U.S. legislation.
Waters under US Jurisdiction - not only U.S. waters / EEZ
This requirement involves waters under U.S. jurisdiction, which not only includes the EEZ/waters of mainland U.S.A. but also waters of Dependencies like Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa etc.
Other COFR State Certificates
Next to the (Federal) COFR, individual U.S. States also have their own COFR requirements. The States California and Alaska are examples of such States. Also for these State COFR certificates we can provide assistance where required.
Other Certificates
Next to the above COFR's there may be other certificates / arrangements required. From a practical perspective, given our involvement with vessels calling at US waters, we have obtained quite some experience in assisting our clients to obtain the most relevant certificates in our field, which next to COFR's, include International Carrier Bonds as well as a COFR for passenger vessels - FMC Certificate(s).
The latter dedicated towards passenger vessels performing voyages to waters under U.S. jurisdiction. These vessels, subject to a number of parameters, have to evidence that the Operators are capable of meeting their obligations towards these passengers in either performing the voyage and delivering the passengers at final destination or in meeting liabilities following personal injury, death or sickness of passenger(s).
Operators responsibility
Although we try to assist our clients as much as possible, it is eventually up to owners/ operators of vessels to establish which certificates are required and obtain these. Some certificates require quite some information to be disclosed and timely application as well as efforts from the side of operators to be taken given the substantial framework of regulations and requirements applicable.
Should you require any assistance following a scheduled call at waters under US jurisdiction therefore please feel free to contact us.
