The small vessel general permit (sVGP) regulations are rules governed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are set to go into effect December 19, 2014. According to Professional Mariner, the sVGP will require all commercial vessels less than 79 feet in length to have regularly conducted inspections performed upon them while they are operating in U.S. waters.

Companies that do not comply with the new regulations are subject to an EPA fine of $10,000. Commercial vessels that must comply with the regulations include:

• Fleeting tugs
• Fishing boats
• Small passenger vessels
• Workboats
• Charter vessels

Computer-based training as a software installation on your office network or training PCs has been made available to vessel operators by the MARPOL Training Institute.

I Need an Admiralty Lawyer 

In the video below, maritime trial lawyer David Anderson explains the role admiralty law plays in governing injuries and liability on the water.

To schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our maritime trial lawyers to discuss your situation and learn what we can do to help you if you or a loved one has been injured on the water, call us today.

Latti & Anderson LLP – Nationwide Maritime Attorneys

Source: http://www.professionalmariner.com/Web-Bulletin-2014/Online-training-offered-for-new-sVGP-rules/