(a) Notwithstanding the requirements of § 155.5021 of this subpart, a vessel may continue to operate for up to 2 years after the date of submission of a vessel response plan (VRP) pending approval of that VRP, if the vessel has received written authorization for continued operations from the Coast Guard.

(b) To receive this authorization, the vessel owner or operator must certify in writing with an original or electronic signature to the Coast Guard that the vessel owner or operator has identified and has ensured, by contract or other approved means, the availability of the necessary private response resources to respond, to the maximum extent practicable, to a worst case discharge or substantial threat of such a discharge from their vessel.

(c) Those nontank vessels temporarily authorized to operate under the provisions provided in this section must comply with 33 CFR 155.1070(c), (d), and (e).