This fact sheet has been prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regarding changes in state laws and regulations (MGL Chapter 21M, s.9 and 314 CMR 19.00) governing vessel notifications and the use of state pilots in Buzzards Bay.

24- Hour Notification Provision

• As of March 1, 2009, an owner or operator of a tank vessel carrying 6,000 barrels or more of oil as cargo may provide 24-hour advanced notice to MassDEP of its intent to operate the vessel in Buzzards Bay (Southern boundary - the Buzzards Bay buoy at 41°23.8 N, 71°02.0 W; Northern Boundary - the Cape Cod Canal buoy at 41°48.9 N; 70°27.7 W).
• While this notification is voluntary, operators who do not provide advance notification are subject to triple damage fines in the event that the vessel spills oil during its transit of Buzzards Bay.

24-Hour Notification Process

• At least twenty-four (24) hours prior to entering Buzzards Bay, an owner or operator of a tank vessel carrying 6,000 barrels or more of oil as cargo should contact the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at (888) 304-1133.
• The MEMA telephone operator will request information including: the name and number of caller; name and contact information for vessel owner or operator; name and type of vessel; type and quantity of cargo; vessel hull construction; vessel location; port of origination and destination; estimated arrival time into Buzzards Bay; and whether or not the operator requests a state-funded pilot.
• The MEMA telephone operator will record notification information on a standardized form filed with MassDEP.
• The MEMA telephone operator will provide the caller with a confirmation number. 

State Pilot Dispatch Program 

• As of March 1, 2009, an owner or operator of a tank vessel carrying 6,000 barrels or more of oil as cargo who provides the 24-hour notification to MassDEP may request the services of an eligible state marine pilot to assist the vessel during its transit of Buzzards Bay.  
• The Commonwealth will pay for the services of the marine pilot provided that the tank vessel is carrying over 6,000 barrels of oil, the 24-hour notification was made, the vessel is not otherwise required to engage a marine pilot, and the pilot is not a member of the vessel's crew.

State Pilot Dispatch Process

• The vessel operator must contact one of the two marine pilot organizations in District 3 to request a state-funded pilot (pursuant to 314 CMR 19.05):
• Northeast Pilots, (Newport, RI), (800) 274-1216
• Boston Coastwise Pilots, (Winthrop, MA), (617) 510-0082.
• The vessel operator must complete the appropriate section of the transit verification form (provided by the pilot) to ensure state reimbursement for the pilot services.

For Questions concerning the Marine Pilot Program call (508) 771-6119 or email richard.packard@state.ma.us .  Additional information is available at http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/oilsprep.htm .