33 CFR 155.4032: Resource providers not listed in the plan
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section covers resource providers beyond those listed in the approved vessel response plan. Using an unlisted provider needs justification approved by the FOSC. Resource providers must also be able to safeguard their workers during salvage and marine firefighting services.
Applies toVessel response plan holders who contract resource providers, and the resource providers who provide salvage and marine firefighting services.
What it says
If a resource provider not listed in the approved plan for the specific service required is to be contracted for a specific response, the FOSC must be given justification for the selection and must approve it.
33 CFR 155.4032(a)“justification for the selection of that resource provider needs to be provided to, and approved by, the FOSC”
The FOSC will authorize deviation from the resource provider listed in the approved vessel response plan only under exceptional circumstances, where that would best affect a more successful response.
33 CFR 155.4032(a)“Only under exceptional circumstances will the FOSC authorize deviation from the resource provider listed in the approved vessel response plan”
Your resource providers must have the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard their workers when providing salvage and marine firefighting services.
33 CFR 155.4032(b)“Your resource providers must have the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard their workers”
The text points to 33 CFR 155.1055(e) and 29 CFR 1910.120(q) for the worker safety controls.
33 CFR 155.4032(b)“when providing salvage and marine firefighting services, as found in 33 CFR 155.1055(e) and 29 CFR 1910.120(q).”
Common questions
Can I use a resource provider that is not listed in my vessel response plan?
Only if you give the FOSC justification for the selection and the FOSC approves it. The FOSC will authorize a deviation only under exceptional circumstances.
“justification for the selection of that resource provider needs to be provided to, and approved by, the FOSC”
When will the FOSC allow a deviation from the listed resource provider?
Only under exceptional circumstances, in instances where the deviation would best affect a more successful response.
“Only under exceptional circumstances will the FOSC authorize deviation from the resource provider listed in the approved vessel response plan in instances where that would best affect a more successful response.”
What worker safety capability must resource providers have for salvage and marine firefighting?
They must have the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard their workers. The text refers to 33 CFR 155.1055(e) and 29 CFR 1910.120(q).
“Your resource providers must have the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard their workers”
The text of 33 CFR 155.4032
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Other resource provider considerations
(a) Use of resource providers not listed in the VRP. If another resource provider, not listed in the approved plan for the specific service required, is to be contracted for a specific response, justification for the selection of that resource provider needs to be provided to, and approved by, the FOSC. Only under exceptional circumstances will the FOSC authorize deviation from the resource provider listed in the approved vessel response plan in instances where that would best affect a more successful response.
(b) Worker health and safety. Your resource providers must have the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard their workers when providing salvage and marine firefighting services, as found in 33 CFR 155.1055(e) and 29 CFR 1910.120(q).
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.