The 2013 VGP requires targeted sampling and analytical monitoring for a subset of vessels covered by the permit and therefore we have created a turn – key service that ensures Compliance with the regulations and complete peace of mind.
We offer sampling and testing as per EPA requirements in several ports worldwide to satisfy the needs and cover the trading patterns of our clients. In Singapore and Fujairah the operations are handled by our own chemists and laboratories and in the rest of the world with highly skilled and professional associates.

Which discharges should be monitored?

• Bilgewater discharges must be monitored for any vessel constructed on or after December 19, 2013 and greater than 400 gross tons that discharge bilgewater to waters of the United States (see Part 2.2.2.1 of the VGP).
• Graywaterdischarge must be monitored for any vessel discharging graywater to waters of the United States constructed on or after December 19, 2013, having a maximum crew capacity of at least 15 crew, and providing overnight accommodation to those crew, and vessels that are not “commercial vessels” discharging graywater operating on the Great Lakes (see Part 2.2.15.2 of the VGP).
• Ballast water discharges must be monitored on vessels using a ballast water treatment system to achieve the numeric discharge limitations at Part 2.2.3.5 of the 2013 VGP that discharge ballast water to waters of the United States (see Part 2.2.3.5.1.1 of the VGP).
• Exhaust gas scrubber discharges must be monitored on any vessels discharging exhaust gas scrubber washwater to waters of the United States (see Part 2.2.26.2 of the VGP).

What we have to offer?

Unlike other testing requirements for the vessels, such as Bunker Fuel or Lube Oil Sampling/Testing, VGP Monitoring present the following major difficulties:

• The majority of the analytes to be tested require specific sampling procedures, that marine crews are unfamiliar with.
• Onboard testing is required for some parameters, such as TRO.
• Samples for some parameters must be analysed within 8 hours from sampling.
• Samples must be transferred under specific conditions and preservation.

Therefore, to resolve the above issues, we offer to our clients all-inclusive, turn-key monitoring solutions for the all the aforementioned discharges and specifically:

• Onboard Attendance for Sampling acc. to ETV Protocol, as well as BWMS code and Field Testing acc. To 40 CFR 136.3 methods
• Sampling bottles and containers as per VGP methods’ requirements.
• Transportation of the samples within the required timeframes.
• Transportation of the samples with the required conditions (preservatives/light/temperature conditions etc)
• Lab Testing with EPA designated methods (40 CFR 136.3 methods) in Accredited Laboratories
• Reporting as per EPA requirements
• Guidance on Regulations – Provision of 30-page Guide
• Technical Support and Customer Care

Where we offer our services?

We offer services in the vast majority of ports in the below countries

Links & Downloads

VGP 2013 Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels

https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/vgp_permit2013.pdf

Vessel Discharge Sample Collection & Analytical Monitoring-A-How To Reference for EPA’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP), EPA 800-B-14-001

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/vgp_self_sampling_reference.pdf

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Vessels-Frequent Questions

https://www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels-frequent-questions

Tribocare Brochure VGP Monitoring Requirements