Allen Leatt
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and their members with vessels active in US waters have welcomed news that the period for public consultation and comment has been extended by an additional 60 days.
“This means that we, and others, including our members, and their clients, have until April 18 to comment on the proposals put forward by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency to revoke longstanding decisions made over the last 40 years concerning the Jones Act,” explains Allen Leatt, IMCA’s Chief Executive.
“The additional 60 days will enable us to undertake very necessary research into the likely economic and technical impact of the proposed revocations. We understand the drive to protect US tonnage given the difficulties in the PSV market today, but the deep-water construction market represents a very different sector with very different vessels and technologies. It is a truly international market, as no single domestic market can support the heavy investments of these assets. Consequently, there is a real risk to damaging the whole Gulf of Mexico market as the unintended consequences do not seem to have been thought through. Our assessment will be published within the consultation/comment period.
“The CBP’s proposals were made in the final two days of the Obama Administration. The Trump Administration has called for a freeze pending a review of all regulatory initiatives; equally it is well known that President Trump is ambitious for the US to increase domestic oil and gas production. These proposals seem to run contrary to both objectives.”
Further information on IMCA
Further information on IMCA and its work on behalf of around 1,000 member companies in over 60 countries is available from www.imca-int.com and imca@imca-int.com. The association has LinkedIn and Facebook groups and its Twitter handle is @IMCAint
About IMCA
IMCA, the international association representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies, publishes some 200 guidance documents, safety promotional materials, timely information notes and safety flashes. Its members benefit from a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training, lifting and rigging and four technical divisions – Diving, Marine, Remote Systems & ROV, and Offshore Survey; plus five active geographic sections encompassing the globe
