(1) Owners and operators of facilities that are beginning new operations in the state after the effective date of this rule are required to submit a completed and signed application for a Washington COFR at least 65 calendar days before beginning operations.

(2)(a) After the phase-in schedule described in WAC 173-187-230, owners and operators of vessels that are not members of P&I clubs must submit a completed and signed application for a Washington COFR, including attachments to prove financial responsibility, to ecology at least 10 calendar days before entering the waters of the state.

(b) Ecology will accept Washington COFR applications received less than 10 calendar days before the vessel enters the waters of the state and will expedite the review of the application, if:

(i) The application is received at least 24 hours before the vessel enters the waters of the state; and

(ii) The applicant demonstrates that unanticipated circumstances prevent the applicant from submitting an application at least 10 calendar days in advance.