VBAP / ECOPRO voluntary certification program for tank vessel spill prevention

Our Voluntary Best Achievable Protection (VBAP) and Exceptional Compliance Program (ECOPRO) memberships protect the environment by further reducing the probability of oil spills from oil-transportation operations.

Tank vessels can apply to become members in these voluntary spill-prevention programs. By encouraging companies to go above federal regulatory minimums, we improve environmental safety beyond existing regulations.

Voluntary spill prevention planning for tank vessels

ECOPRO Award for Exceptional Compliance

Voluntary Best Achievable Protection (VBAP) and Exceptional Compliance Program (ECOPRO) standards are designed to reduce the probability of an oil spill in state waters by identifying areas where operations can improve the company's environmental safety beyond existing regulations. The Exceptional Compliance Program (ECOPRO) standards exceed the VBAP standards.

These standards are designed to fill important safety gaps that we have identified as critical for Washington's waters. By encouraging companies to go above federal regulatory minimums, we improve the protection of state waters.

We developed the standards jointly with industry representatives to provide more stringent but attainable operating procedures for today’s proactive marine oil transportation companies.

Membership

Companies that elect to participate will receive public recognition for commitment to marine safety and environmental stewardship. In addition, company names will be posted on Washington's VBAP or ECOPRO list.

Interested in joining? Take a look at our guidance.

Requirements and application

Standards for Tankers. Description of the VBAP and ECOPRO requirements for tank ships.
Standards for Tank Barges & ATBs. Description of the VBAP and ECOPRO requirements for tank barges and articulated tug barges.
Sample submittal agreement letter. A template letter for applying for membership.

Basic info and FAQs

VBAP and ECOPRO Brochure Basic information on joining the programs.
VBAP and ECOPRO Guidance for qualifying criteria More detailed information and FAQs on joining the programs.

Qualifying and approval

Plan Review Checklist for Tankers Checklist we use to determine whether your submitted plan meets the qualifications for membership.
Plan Review Checklist for Tank Barges and ATBs Checklist we use to determine your submitted plan meets the qualifications for membership.
Tanker Inspection Checklist Inspection checklist our inspectors will use to certify your tank ship qualifies for membership.
Tank Barge—ATB Inspection Checklist Inspection checklist our inspectors will use to certify your tank barge or ATB qualifies for membership.
Tank Barge—Tow Vessel Company Audit Checklist. Inspection checklist we use when auditing documentation of qualification at a towing vessel company's office.

VBAP members

Full members

No VBAP Full members at this time.

Associate members (full membership pending vessel inspection)

No VBAP Associate members at this time.

ECOPRO members

Full members

Company name	Location	Member since
Alaska Tanker Company, LLC	Beaverton, Oregon USA	2002
M.T.M. Ship Management Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	2003
Thenamaris Ships Management Inc.	Athens, Greece	2003
Island Tug and Barge Ltd.	Vancouver, B.C., Canada	2004
Crowley Petroleum Services (ATB Division)	Seattle, Washington	2004
Crowley Petroleum Services, Inc. (Tanker Division)	Seattle, Washington	2014
Polar Tankers, Inc.	Houston, Texas USA	2009

Associate members (full membership pending vessel inspection)

No ECOPRO Associate members at this time.

Contact information

Greg Fitzgearld
Vessel & Oil Transfer Inspector
Greg.Fitzgearld@ecy.wa.gov
206-375-4792

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VBAP / ECOPRO voluntary certification program for tank vessel spill prevention

I want to...

Voluntary spill prevention planning for tank vessels

Membership

Requirements and application

Basic info and FAQs

Qualifying and approval

VBAP members

Full members

Associate members (full membership pending vessel inspection)

ECOPRO members

Full members

Associate members (full membership pending vessel inspection)

Related links

Contact information