John P. Kavanagh, Jr., a Mobile-based Partner authored an article titled, "Strong Record Keeping is the Best Defense," for Future Marine Fuels and Lubes in May 2013.

The article discusses the new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) that are expected to be declared in the Mediterranean, Australia and the Far East, as well as the 0.5 percent maximum sulfur content to be applied to all areas outside the ECAs starting in 2020. Kavanagh points out that enforcement of the North American ECA regulations are only in the beginning stages, but once a violation of an ECA is uncovered, the focus will turn to records and the paperwork associated with training, receipt of bunkers and certification.