Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-Southwest Louisiana) this week introduced HR 1844 – the Notice of Arrival (NOA) Act.  The bill amends the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 by clarifying that a notice of arrival is not required for certain documented vessels.  The current law has proven problematic to Louisiana vessel operators.

“These unnecessary rules hurt small offshore service companies at a time when they are still reeling from the devastating effects of President Obama’s moratorium,” Boustany said. “By removing these regulations and clarifying the intent of the law, our U.S.-flag vessels and workers will not be restricted in their ability to provide timely offshore services." 

Under the SAFE Port Act of 2006, Congress specifically applied notice of arrival requirements only to foreign vessels engaged in activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the United States.  This was enacted to enhance the monitoring and oversight of foreign vessels operating in the coastal regions of the United States.  However, those regulations also applied the notice of arrival reporting requirements to U.S.-flagged offshore service vessels on the OCS.  The burden of reporting will more heavily impact the U.S. fleet on the OCS versus foreign vessels than intended.  Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard is not fully equipped or prepared to implement the administration of the unnecessary and burdensome reports.

“Currently, our industry confronts regulations where full compliance is simply impossible. The Offshore Marine Services Association (OMSA) is extremely grateful for Congressman Boustany’s initiative and leadership. He understands the offshore energy business and is taking action to find solutions,” said OMSA President Jim Adams.  

Congressman Boustany is a leading voice in Washington on coastal issues. He led the fight against President Obama’s moratorium and called for a safe and expedient restoration of American energy production in Louisiana. Earlier this year, he introduced the Realize America’s Promise (RAMP) Act to ensure funding in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is used for dredging purposes.

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