Real Assets. Real Responders. Real Readiness.
Resolve Marine has been a long-standing U.S. Coast Guard–recognized Salvage and Marine Firefighting (SMFF) provider since the implementation of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90).
We maintain more than 21 strategically positioned response depots across the United States and its territories, designed to meet the stringent SMFF planning and response timeframes mandated by federal regulations. Each depot is equipped for immediate mobilization, with regularly maintained fire pump packages, fire suppression foam caches, and lightering packages that include hydraulic power units and associated hose systems, all prepackaged and ready for rapid deployment. These assets are reinforced by our domestic emergency response warehouses, marine service centers, and experienced response personnel positioned nationwide.
Our SMFF coverage satisfies the State of California’s enhanced response planning requirements and is supported by a comprehensive drills and exercises program that meets, and routinely exceeds, National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (NPREP) standards.
OPA 90 SMFF Response Depots
To view equipment ready to deploy in each location, mouse over the orange location icon for a list of inventory at the desired response depot: Applicability
Under 33 CFR 155.4010, the salvage and marine firefighting requirements apply to any vessel required to maintain a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Vessel Response Plan (VRP) that carries Group I–IV oils, including tank vessels and applicable nontank vessels (over 400 GT) operating in U.S. navigable waters or the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Applicable plan holders must identify and contract for salvage and marine firefighting services capable of responding to actual or potential casualties, including fire, explosion, grounding, collision, loss of stability, or structural failure, up to and including a worst-case discharge as defined under OPA 90 regulations.
How to Nominate an SMFF Provider
The U.S. Coast Guard requires vessel owners and operators to affirmatively vet and select SMFF providers based on 15 specific adequacy criteria outlined in 33 CFR155.4050. These criteria are not optional; they are central to VRP approval and ongoing compliance.
SMFF Enrollment Made Easy
Resolve Marine offers the industry’s most streamlined path to SMFF regulatory compliance, minimizing administrative burden while fully meeting the intent of the OPA 90 regulations. Enrollment is simple and efficient, requiring just three steps for plan holders to obtain vessel-specific pre-fire plan certification:
Step 1: Execute a Signed SMFF Funding Agreement
Complete Resolve’s standard SMFF Funding Agreement, already reviewed and accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard and the International Group of P&I Clubs. Plan holders can proceed with confidence, without the need for additional underwriter approvals or commercial negotiations.
Step 2: Submit Required Vessel Information and Documentation
Provide basic vessel details, including vessel name and IMO number, along with the following documentation:
- General Arrangement Plan
- Capacity Plan
- Fire Control Plan
- SOLAS Fire Training Manual (or other suitable firefighting sections of the vessel’s emergency response plan)
Step 3: Submission, Rapid Review and Certification
Submit all of the above to Resolve’s Client Services Team at opacompliance@resolvemarine.com
Once all documentation is received and confirmed to be in good order, Resolve can issue pre-fire plan certificates and associated SMFF compliance documentation in less than 24 hours, delivering speed, clarity, and regulatory peace of mind.
