DryLog Joins Rapid Ocean Response Emergency

North American marine emergency response service provider Rapid Ocean Response Corporation (RORC) said that the dry bulk shipping company DryLog has joined its network.

DryLog,  a subsidiary of international Ceres Shipping Ltd,  will now have access to an always-available, contractually-obligated network of emergency response vessels that facilitates compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard's Salvage & Marine Fire Fighting (SMFF) regulations that address marine firefighting resources.

“Safety is our most important priority, and, joining the RORC network bolsters our marine firefighting capabilities, enhancing safety and providing compliance with U.S. maritime laws,” said a spokesperson of DryLog. “Our ships transport millions of dollars of goods in and out of U.S. ports every year and partnering with RORC provides a level of confidence and security we never had relying on ‘vessels of opportunity’ to protect our vessels and crews.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with a shipping group that traces its origins back to the 1800s and is a known leader in the maritime industry” said Nick Nedeau, CEO, RORC.

RORC’s network consists of high-speed response boats operating from ports covering the entire continental U.S. coastline. The network is in a 24/7 state of readiness to supplement existing Vessel Response Plans capable of delivering surveyors and marine firefighters within the time frame required by the SMFF regulations.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) recently issued an advisory reminder to all vessel owners operating in and around the continental United States regarding the SMFF regulations. USCG advised that relying on ‘if available’ marine response assets does not meet the intent of the regulations. The SMFF regulations require Vessel Owner/Operators to have always-available, contractually obligated, marine firefighting vessel response networks capable of responding within the required timeframes.

The USCG recently began requiring vessel owners to produce evidence that their SMFF contracts are adequate and reminded vessel owners that the burden of compliance rests with them and not the contracted or sub-contracted service provider.