Guidelines for the documentary and physical review of vessels for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions
Guidelines for the documentary and physical review of vessels for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions
(Administrative Ruling No. 056 issued by the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces on July 8, 2024, and published in Official Gazette No. 42,954 of September 2, 2024).
What are these guidelines about? The Ruling establishes the guidelines for the documentary and physical review of vessels for controlling and reducing atmospheric pollution caused by nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter emissions.
To whom do these regulations apply? These regulations apply to all vessels operating in Venezuelan waters.
Who is responsible for implementing the guidelines? Port Captains and Port State Supervisors are responsible for implementing these provisions. In cases of deficiencies detected in initial inspections, the National Institute for Aquatic Spaces will conduct a more thorough review.
What is the Monitoring Protocol? The Monitoring Protocol is a series of steps to monitor nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions and requires that, after the initial inspection, the ship’s fuels and lubricants be checked to ensure environmental compliance.
The Ruling establishes Monitoring and Control Mechanisms to monitor and control nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. National Institute of Aquatic Spaces supervisors are required to conduct documentary reviews and visual inspections of the vessels for this purpose.
Vessel Detention. If following the monitoring and control activities, there are sufficient and well-documented reasons to believe that there are severe infringements to the Regulation, the Port State Control Inspector may order a more detailed inspection of the vessel.
If the severe infringements are confirmed, the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces Supervisor shall order the vessel to be detained for correcting the infringements. Once the infringements have been rectified and compliance with the guidelines has been verified, the detention shall be lifted, and the vessel shall be allowed to sail.
Results of the monitoring process. The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces will issue the results of the inspection or monitoring of nitrogen (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) and will provide the vessel’s Captain with a copy.
Operations related to seabed mineral resources for exploration and exploitation of the oil industry are excluded from the Regulations.
Entry into force. The Regulations became effective on the day of its publication in the Official Gazette; this is, September 2, 2024.