Doing something about oil spills
Controversy over oil tanker safety standards that put environmentalists against those concerned with the impact of unilateral regulations has caused fluctuations in U.S. policy. The Carter Administration has called for new and far-reaching regulations that require tankers of more than 20,000 tons entering U.S. coastal waters to have a double bottom (if the tanker is new), segregated ballast, an inert gas system, a back-up radar system, and a better emergency steering system. Crew standards and training, now being drafted by the International Maritime Consultive Organization, must meet U.S. criteria, a requirement that will have the grestest impact on ships flying flags of convenience. The Coast Guard is empowered to make annual inspections of foreign tankers and deny entry to those below standard. Records of accidents must be included in the Maritime Safety Information System. Realistic liability and compensation agreements have not been reached. Environmentalists, in spite of these measures, remain concerned over the Coast Guard's role and effectiveness, the rights of states to raise standards, the need for fail-safe technology, and the need to extend boarding and inspection rights beyond port entrances. Some environmentalists, opposing any unilateral infringements on the freedom of the seas, will lobby against the Administration proposals and in favor of generally accepted international standards. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 7296853
- Journal Information:
- Sierra Club Bull.; (United States), Vol. 62:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
OIL SPILLS
REGULATIONS
TANKER SHIPS
CONSTRUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
INSPECTION
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
LAWS
LEGISLATION
LIABILITIES
PERSONNEL
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STANDARDS
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
WATER POLLUTION ABATEMENT
AGREEMENTS
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020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
294002 - Energy Planning & Policy- Petroleum
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
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