What is the minimum gross tonnage for a vessel to require a COFR?

The minimum gross tonnage for a vessel to require a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) under the Oil Pollution Act, which relates to assures for potential oil spills, is established at 300 gross tons. This requirement is a regulatory measure aimed at ensuring that vessels that pose a significant risk to the marine environment due to their size have adequate financial backing to respond to oil spill incidents.

The COFR requirement applies to both U.S. flagged vessels and foreign vessels operating in U.S. waters. Specifically, vessels that are 300 gross tons or greater need to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility to cover potential liabilities arising from an oil spill. This threshold is set to cover a substantial number of commercial vessels that could cause environmental damage if involved in incidents such as groundings or collisions.

Understanding this requirement highlights the importance of being aware of regulatory standards that protect marine environments and ensure responsible maritime operations.