CIRCULAR 39/2020: OSRO’s REQUIREMENTS FOR BUNKERING AT ZONA COMUN/ARGENTINA

Due to recent enquiries received indicating that the Coast Guards at La Plata required to any vessel receiving bunkers at Zona Comun (off La Plata, within 12 miles from the coast) to have in place preventive arrangements to respond to any oil spill within 60 minutes of occurrence (commonly referred as an “OSRO Certificate”). This requirement applies to any vessel, whether a tanker or not.

We have consulted the Environmental Protection division of the Coast Guard who has confirmed this requirement as decided by the Chief of Coast Guard’s La Plata station as you will see from the letter enclosed (both in Spanish and its free translation for your easy reference).

Previously, it was understood that the tanker providing the bunkers should have their own “oil spill response” arrangements. However, considering Coast Guard’s requirement at La Plata, any vessel planning to load at “Zona Comun” must consider arranging for a preventive system in place to guarantee a response to oil spill within 60 minutes (i.e., to have an “OSRO Certificate” in place).

As far as we understand, the cost for this service being offered by some OSRO’s is in the region of US$ 3,200.00.

The Maritime Authority also stressed that when bunkers are delivered either alongside a berth or at a lightering area within 12 miles from the coast, it is necessary to have booms deployed when in port or equipment and personnel mobilized in designated lightering areas which are provided by OSROs approved by Coast Guards.

We remain at your disposal if clarification and/or additional information is needed.

PANDI LIQUIDORES SRL / BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Notice: the content of this circular and its annexes is for information only. Even though it has been issued carefully, and to the best of our knowledge, it has a general purpose, and we can accept no liability whatsoever for any particular action taken upon it. © Pandi Liquidadores SRL 2020. All rights reserved.