Effective 28 November 2007 single hull tank vessels and tug/barge combinations transiting Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, be accompanied by escort tugs and pilots operating under a properly endorsed Federal pilot's license.
The Coast Guard has also established a Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) for Buzzards Bay, and requires mandatory participation in the VMRS by vessels subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge VHF Radiotelephone
regulations, including tug/barge combinations.
The new rule has been implemented persuant to regulations published in the Federal Register on 30 August 2007. The purpose of the rule is to reduce the likelihood of an incident that might result in a collision, allision, or grounding and the aftermath discharge or release of oil or hazardous material into the navigable waters of the United States.
Further details of the regulation and it's background can be found on the Federal Register.
