United States Coast Guard (USCG) has already published the Policy Letter regarding the provision to grant extension to the implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems as provided in 33CFR151.1513 and 151.2036.
On 16 November 2015, USCG published the attached new Policy Letter, therefore, the terms of extension of implementation schedule is revised. This new Policy Letter is includes the contents of Marine Safety Information Bulletin published by USCG (Please refer to our Technical information TEC No.1055).
Details can be referred to the attached new Policy Letter.

In conclusion, notable information of revised new Policy Letter are as follows:

1. An explanation of "first scheduled drydocking" is included in new Policy Letter.
For example, in case vessel conduct drydocking to accomplish planned work, the drydocking is considered first scheduled drydocking etc.
(Please refer to our Technical information TEC No.1055)

2. Procedure for extension request is advised with the following manners.
A. Every new initial extension request and supplemental extension request must document that, despite all efforts, compliance with the requirement under 33 CFR 151.1510 or 33 CFR 151.2025 by the date stipulated in the implementation schedule, or the end date specified in the current extension granted by USCG, is not possible for the subject vessel.
B. The determination of "original compliance date" is:
For vessels constructed on or after December 1, 2013: the date of delivery.
For vessels constructed before December 1, 2013, and
(1) having less than 1500 m3 ballast water capacity: the date of the first scheduled drydocking after January 1, 2016; or
(2) having 1500 m3 -5000 m3 ballast water capacity: the date of the first scheduled drydocking after January 1, 2014; or
(3) having greater than 5000 m3 ballast water capacity: the date of the first scheduled drydocking after January 1, 2016.

(To be continued)