33 CFR 155.4050: Adequacy of salvors and marine firefighters
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section makes you responsible for deciding whether the salvors and marine firefighters in your plan are adequate. You must select providers that meet the listed criteria to the maximum extent possible. You must certify in your plan that you considered these factors.
What it says
You are responsible for determining the adequacy of the resource providers you intend to include in your plan.
33 CFR 155.4050(a)“You are responsible for determining the adequacy of the resource providers you intend to include in your plan.”
You must select a resource provider that meets the listed selection criteria to the maximum extent possible.
33 CFR 155.4050(b)“you must select a resource provider that meets the following selection criteria to the maximum extent possible:”
One criterion is that the resource provider owns or has contracts for the equipment needed to perform response services.
33 CFR 155.4050(b)(3)“Resource provider owns or has contracts for equipment needed to perform response services.”
One criterion is 24-hour availability of personnel and equipment, and a history of response times compatible with the time requirements in the regulation.
33 CFR 155.4050(b)(5)“Resource provider has 24-hour availability of personnel and equipment, and history of response times compatible with the time requirements in the regulation.”
One criterion is insurance that covers the salvage and/or marine firefighting services the provider intends to provide.
33 CFR 155.4050(b)(10)“Resource provider has insurance that covers the salvage and/or marine firefighting services which they intend to provide.”
A resource provider need not meet all of the criteria for you to choose them, but you must select them on the basis of meeting the criteria to the maximum extent possible.
33 CFR 155.4050(c)“A resource provider need not meet all of the selection criteria in order for you to choose them as a provider.”
You must certify in your plan that these factors were considered when you chose your resource provider.
33 CFR 155.4050(d)“You must certify in your plan that these factors were considered when you chose your resource provider.”
Common questions
Must a salvor or marine firefighter meet every selection criterion?
No. A provider need not meet all the criteria, but you must select them on the basis of meeting the criteria to the maximum extent possible.
“A resource provider need not meet all of the selection criteria in order for you to choose them as a provider.”
Who decides whether a resource provider is adequate?
You do. You are responsible for determining the adequacy of the resource providers you intend to include in your plan.
“You are responsible for determining the adequacy of the resource providers you intend to include in your plan.”
Do I have to certify anything about my resource providers?
Yes. You must certify in your plan that these factors were considered when you chose your resource provider.
“You must certify in your plan that these factors were considered when you chose your resource provider.”
The text of 33 CFR 155.4050
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Ensuring that the salvors and marine firefighters are adequate
(a) You are responsible for determining the adequacy of the resource providers you intend to include in your plan.
(b) When determining adequacy of the resource provider, you must select a resource provider that meets the following selection criteria to the maximum extent possible:
(1) Resource provider is currently working in response service needed.
(2) Resource provider has documented history of participation in successful salvage and/or marine firefighting operations, including equipment deployment.
(3) Resource provider owns or has contracts for equipment needed to perform response services.
(4) Resource provider has personnel with documented training certification and degree experience (Naval Architecture, Fire Science, etc.).
(5) Resource provider has 24-hour availability of personnel and equipment, and history of response times compatible with the time requirements in the regulation.
(6) Resource provider has on-going continuous training program. For marine firefighting providers, they meet the training guidelines in NFPA 1001, 1005, 1021, 1405, and 1561 (Incorporation by reference, see § 155.140), show equivalent training, or demonstrate qualification through experience.
(7) Resource provider has successful record of participation in drills and exercises.
(8) Resource provider has salvage or marine firefighting plans used and approved during real incidents.
(9) Resource provider has membership in relevant national and/or international organizations.
(10) Resource provider has insurance that covers the salvage and/or marine firefighting services which they intend to provide.
(11) Resource provider has sufficient up front capital to support an operation.
(12) Resource provider has equipment and experience to work in the specific regional geographic environment(s) that the vessel operates in (e.g., bottom type, water turbidity, water depth, sea state and temperature extremes).
(13) Resource provider has the logistical and transportation support capability required to sustain operations for extended periods of time in arduous sea states and conditions.
(14) Resource provider has the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard the health and safety of their workers when providing salvage and marine firefighting services.
(15) Resource provider has familiarity with the salvage and marine firefighting protocol contained in the local ACPs for each COTP area for which they are contracted.
(c) A resource provider need not meet all of the selection criteria in order for you to choose them as a provider. They must, however, be selected on the basis of meeting the criteria to the maximum extent possible.
(d) You must certify in your plan that these factors were considered when you chose your resource provider.
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.