What will happen when ships try to call on US ports that are not LRIT compliant before the Radio Certificate for the vessel expires?
The new rule is issued under the authority of 46 USC 70115 and 33 USC 1231; these statutes provide for full civil and criminal penalties under them with various fines associated. To ensure effective compliance, the CG will develop and implement a compliance strategy that includes enforcement in appropriate cases. In the event of willful violation, the US will consider referring the matter to the Dept of Justice for criminal prosecution. Example: If a ship that is arriving at a US port has submitted an advanced notice of arrival but its LRIT information has not been received, the COTP may exercise various enforcement options, including, when and if necessary, holding the ship offshore in US territorial seas until it can be boarded and checked for security concerns.
