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NTVRP USA Update

06/24/05

The Meredith Management Group, Inc. (MEREDITH) continues to closely monitor NVIC 01-05 for NTVRP’s.

The USCG has advised that it does not intend to enforce the requirement for a NTVRP until the regulations requiring the submission of plans are in place.

However, the USCG and MEREDITH, strongly recommend securing interim authorization letters by using the voluntary interim authorization process under NVIC 01-05.

For more information on the services available please contact a MEREDITH representative at 1-610-725-8286 (outside the US) and 1-800-981-1283 (inside the US) or info@mmg-ems.com. Please also visit the MEREDITH web site at www.mmg-ems.com for detailed information about The Meredith Management Group, Inc.

NVIC GUIDELINES FOR NTVRP USA EFFECTIVE AUG 8 2005

02/16/05

The Meredith Management Group, Inc. (MEREDITH) has closely monitored the development of the NVIC Guidelines for Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued interim guidance for the development and review of oil spill response plans for non tank vessels. For this purpose, a non tank vessel is a self-propelled vessel of 400 gross tons or greater, other than a tank vessel, that carries oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion and that is either a vessel of the United States or a foreign vessel that operates on the navigable waters of the United States. Note that gross tonnage is measured in accordance with the International Tonnage Convention (ITC). For your information, the direct link to NVIC 01-05 is http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nvic/NVIC%2001-05.doc.pdf.

The non tank vessel oil spill response plans will closely resemble those required for tank vessels although there are some differences. For a small vessel, the plan must address response to the vessel’s average most probable discharge and salvage resources. For a vessel with a fuel capacity of 250 barrels or more, the plan must also address response to the vessel’s maximum probable discharge and salvage and lightering resources. For a vessel with a fuel capacity of 2,500 barrels or more, the plan must address response up to the Tier I worst case discharge volume to the maximum extent practicable and salvage, firefighting, and lightering. Vessels carrying very heavy fuel oil (group V petroleum oil) as fuel will have additional planning requirements.

In addition, all non tank vessels are required to have a Qualified Individual (QI), a Spill Management Team (SMT), conduct training & drills and have a damage stability capability as well as contracted OSRO relationships.

MEREDITH provides Vessel Response Plans (VRP’s), Qualified Individual (QI), Spill Management Team (SMT), Damage Stability, Training, Drills, Exercises and other maritime services to meet the needs of the new regulations.

For more information on the services available please contact a MEREDITH representative at 1-610-725-8286 (outside the US) and 1-800-981-1283 (inside the US) or info@mmg-ems.com. Please also visit the MEREDITH web site at www.mmg-ems.com for detailed information about The Meredith Management Group, Inc.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY ASSESSMENTS

8/11/04

MEREDITH conducted School Safety and Security Assessments at selected schools, which included representation from each region within the district.

The Northeastern United States contains dense population, historic sites; petro-chemical refining plants, manufacturing facilities, and major transportation systems. It is recognized that the Northeast region could be an ideal location for terrorist activity. The Department of Homeland Security has identified schools as “soft” targets and therefore particularly vulnerable to a terrorist attack. It is of critical importance for School Administrators to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff. To this end, All Hazards School Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plans need to be developed, staffs trained, and exercised.

As a prerequisite to and input for a district All Hazards Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plan, The MEREDITH team developed and implemented a program to conduct in-depth School Safety and Security Assessments in a representative cross-section of schools. This program included schools designated as “persistently dangerous” by the US Department of Education.

The immediate benefits from the School Safety and Security Assessment program include:

• Identification of vulnerabilities and recommendations to mitigate safety and security issues by an independent professional assessment team.
• Recommendations to improve current Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plan.
• Improved staff awareness of a school’s vulnerabilities and of the necessity and means to be more prepared for any emergency.
• Required information to apply for Homeland Security School Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grants
• Justification for budgetary requests to improve safety, security and Emergency Response and Crisis Management planning and training.

For more information on this service please contact a MEREDITH representative at 610 725 8286 or info@mmg-ems.com.

UPDATE ON SHIP SECURITY PLAN PREPARATION AND APPROVAL

1/06/04

In October, MEREDITH made the observation that “on scene” surveys need not be performed by third parties, except in special cases. The use of third parties only costs the ship owner additional monies when the necessary information for the security assessment is readily available to the vessel owner/operator. MEREDITH has successfully implemented this approach into a timely and effective preparation process that has provided approved Ship Security Plans for our clients.

MEREDITH has developed an efficient protocol for Company Security Officers to conduct Ship Security Surveys, which become the basis for the development of the required Ship Security Assessments and Ship Security Plans. It has been our observation that Company Security Officers can effectively complete the surveys, speeding plan preparation and submission.

MEREDITH’s industry contacts have revealed that many ship owner/operators who have committed to third parities for Ship Security Assessments are still on waiting lists to have on- scene surveys conducted. The time consuming process of scheduling and conducting surveys by third parties has delayed plan preparation and submission. Concern is growing that there will not be enough resources available to meet the July 1, 2004 deadline.

If you are interested in taking advantage of our approach to Ship Security Planning, please contact us at info@mmg-ems.com.

VESSEL SECURITY PLAN & INTERNATIONAL SHIP & PORT SECURITY CODE INTERPRETATION

10/22/03

As you are aware, the IMO International Ship & Port Security Code (ISPS) requires that Ships of 500 gross tons and over must have on board an approved Ship Security Plan by July 1, 2004.

The U.S. Coast Guard has adopted similar requirements to the ISPS Code. Contrary to certain information circulating in the Maritime Community, the U.S. Coast Guard’s proposed regulations require foreign (non-U.S. Flag) vessels to comply with the deadline in the ISPS Code, or July 1, 2004.

The Meredith Management Group, Inc. has closely monitored the development of these regulations as our management did with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. MEREDITH’s approach is to meet the requirements of the ISPS Code and U.S. Coast Guard regulations with minimum disruption to vessel operations and to provide the owner/operator with an effective and useable security plan.

An element of our approach is the observation that “on scene” surveys need not be performed by third parties, except in special cases. The use of third parties only costs the ship owner additional monies when the necessary information for the security assessment is readily available to the vessel owner/operator.

MEREDITH CLIENT RECOVERS 98% OF REMOVAL COSTS CLAIM

12/31/02

The Meredith Management Group, Inc. received confirmation that their client reached settlement with the National Pollution Fund Center (NPFC) on their claim for reimbursement of removal costs in excess of the their limit of liability. MEREDITH, as part of the claim submission team, was responsible for preparing and organizing the documentation for presentation to the NPFC. MEREDITH and the claims team were successful in supporting and clarifying cost details and demonstrating the client’s fiduciary responsibility in satisfying the cleanup requirements of the USCG Federal On Scene Coordinator. MEREDITH had also provided incident management services, which included command, safety, operations, planning, logistics, financial management and audit services, during the pollution response and cleanup operations.

MEREDITH PARTNERS WITH GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANIES, INC.

12/01/99

Meredith Management Group, Inc. partners with Great American Insurance creating the “Great American Emergency Response Team.”

The following is an excerpt from GLOBAL IMPACT, December 1998 – February 1999, No.7, page 3, A Publication of the Ocean Marine Division of Great American Insurance Companies.

“OUR PARTNER WILL RESPOND IMMEDIATELY AND CLEAN UP THE SPILL"
To provide immediate professional response and management, Great American has contracted with the Meredith Management Group, an internationally recognized spill management organization. It has efficiently managed some of the largest spills in the U.S. -- and now it will handle yours, large or small.

Meredith Management Group is renowned for its industry expertise, as well as its ability to contain your costs and long-term liability exposures. The firm is available 24 hours via our hotline at 1-877-GAREACT.

Meredith Management Group's expertise, coupled with the strengths of Great American, promises to make this truly a world class coverage for the benefit of all our insureds.”

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