USA - Specific requirements by the U.S. Administration

Flag instructions relating to Statutory surveys

Flag procedural requirements

General Policy

Agreement

An Agreement between the United States Coast Guard and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA has been signed on 14 September 2020.

The Agreement is displayed in Agreement governing the delegation of Statutory Certification and Services.

The Appendix A of the Agreement (Applicable Instruments and Scope of Authorizations) and its Addendum are displayed in Appendix A of the Agreement.

The Appendix B of the Agreement (Minimum Standards of a RO) is displayed in Appendix B of the Agreement

The Appendix C of the Agreement (Delegation of Authority to measure vessels) is displayed in Appendix C of the Agreement

Provisionally participation in the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP)

(Administration letter 2758b dated 20/05/2025 and Addendum to Appendix A, see Appendix A of the Agreement)

Recognised Organisation (RO) provisionally participates in the United States Coast Guard’s Alternate Compliance Program (ACP). That provisional authorization to participate in the ACP is effective since the addendum is signed. However, the two-year trial period is credited from May 25, 2024, based on the required international certificates being issued by Recognised Organisation (RO) on that date, and the trial period is expected to conclude on or about May 25, 2026.

Following the two-year trial period, the Administration will evaluate Recognised Organisation (RO)’s performance in accordance with 46 CFR § 8.420. If Recognised Organisation (RO)’s performance is deemed satisfactory, the USCG-RO Memorandum of  Agreement will be revised to reflect Recognised Organisation (RO)’s participation in the ACP. The full authorization to participate in the ACP will become effective upon signature of the revised Memorandum of Agreement by both parties and following the successful completion of the two-year trial period.

Code of Federal Regulations 46 CFR

See http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?selectedYearFrom=2013&go=Go

Policy and Guidance

Refer to folder Policy And Guidance in the web site of Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-CVC/:

• Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC)

• CG-CVC Policy Letters

• MMS Work Instructions

U.S. Supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP

Refer to U.S. supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP

The revised U.S. Supplement, dated November 12, 2025, is applicable to vessels enrolled, or enrolling, in the Coast Guard’s Alternate Compliance Program (ACP). Previous U.S. Supplements will no longer be assigned to vessels enrolling in the ACP nor used for in-service vessels already enrolled in the ACP. The revision to the U.S. Supplement will be used for all vessels proposed for enrollment into the ACP. Additionally, the operational requirements of the revised U.S. Supplement will be applied to those in-service vessels already enrolled in the ACP.

All applicable requirements in the revised U.S. Supplement must be verified by Recognised Organisation (RO) before issuing the relevant corresponding statutory certificate to a vessel enrolled in the ACP on or after November 12, 2025. Additionally, Recognised Organisation (RO) must verify all applicable U.S. Supplement requirements during plan review for provisionally enrolled vessels in the ACP. All requirements in the U.S. Supplement are in addition to the requirements set forth by IMO instruments and the Recognised Organisation (RO)’s rules.

Authorizations

Recognised Organisation (RO) has been authorized to issue the following IMO certificates:

• International Load Line Certificate (ILLC66/88)

• International Tonnage Certificate (1969)

• SOLAS 74/78 Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

• SOLAS 74/78 Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

• Document of Compliance for the ships carrying dangerous goods according to International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) and SOLAS 1974, as amended, Regulation II-2/19

• Approval of Cargo Securing Manual

• International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)

• International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex I, International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex II, International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (NLS)

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex III, Verification of Compliance for the Carriage of Harmful Substances in Package Form

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV, International Sewage Pollution Prevention Statement of Voluntary Compliance (SOVC)

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex V, Approval of Garbage Management Plan

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI, International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI, International Energy Efficiency (IEE) Certificate

• MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI, Statement of Compliance for Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Reporting

• International Anti-Fouling System (IAFS) Certificate

• Polar Ship Certificate according to Polar Code

• Certificate of Fitness for the Transport and Handling of Limited Amounts of Hazardous and Noxious Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels according to IMO resolution A.673(16), as amended.

• Statement of Voluntary Compliance (SOVC) with Ballast Water Management Convention

• Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate (1979, Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate (1989), or the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate (2009) according to MODU Code

• Document of Compliance for Offshore Supply Vessels according to IMO Resolution MSC.235(82)

Interpretations

Interpretations of the applicable instruments, as well as determining the acceptability of proposed equivalents or the acceptance of substitutes to the requirements of the applicable instruments, is the prerogative of the Administration. Recognised Organisation (RO) will cooperate in their establishment as necessary.

Interpretation of definitions or requirements found in the Agreement is the prerogative of the Administration. Recognised Organisation (RO) will be given the opportunity to consult with the Administration regarding the interpretation.

Deviations and equivalent solutions

Exemptions and deviations from, and equivalents to, the requirements of the applicable instruments are the prerogative of the Administration and must be approved by the Administration prior to issuance of associated certificates or documentation.

Requests for exemptions, waivers, equivalencies or relaxations shall be forwarded to the Administration for review and Approval prior to execution. Such requests must include supporting information and a recommendation from Recognised Organisation (RO) concerning approval.

In instances where, temporarily, he requirements of an applicable instrument cannot be met under the particular circumstances, Recognised Organisation (RO) will specify such measures or supplementary equipment as may be available to permit the ship to proceed to a suitable port where permanent repairs or rectifications can be effected or replacement equipment fitted. Authorization to proceed is reserved fro the Administration.

Reporting

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall notify the Administration immediately upon receiving a request for classification of a U.S. flag ship subject to statutory certification and services.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall notify the Administration immediately upon becoming aware of a situation aboard a ship or within a company involving a major non-conformity. Unless otherwise specified by the applicable instrument, major non-conformity means, “an identifiable deviation which poses a serious threat to personnel or vessel safety or a serious risk to the environment and requires immediate corrective action; in addition, the lack of effective and systematic implementation of a requirement of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code is also considered a major non- conformity”.

The above notifications shall contain the name of the ship or company, the IMO number, the official number, if applicable, or alternatively another distinct vessel identification number, the company identification number, and a description of the major non-conformity, deficiency or issue.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to the Administration in writing the names, IMO numbers, and official numbers, if applicable, or alternatively other distinct vessel identification numbers of any ships removed from Recognised Organisation (RO)‘s list of classed/certified ships for which Recognised Organisation (RO) has performed statutory certification and services on behalf of the Administration. The report should contain a description of the reason(s) for removal from class, and this should be made within thirty (30) days of the removal becoming effective.

In cases of transfer of the certification of a ship from one RO to another, if Recognised Organisation (RO) is the gaining organization, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall advise the Administration within one month of the issuance of the certificates. if Recognised Organisation (RO) is the losing organization, then Recognised Organisation (RO) shall advise the Administration of the date of issuance of the certificates, and confirm the date, place, and any action taken to satisfy each overdue survey, overdue recommendation, and overdue condition of class.

Marine Casualties and Reporting

The MOC is to notify the Administration (the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Investigation (OCMI) with copy to the office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CVC) at FlagStateControl@uscg.mil) in the following cases:

• (Agreement §6.5.2 and RO Code - Res. MSC.349(92), Part 3, Sec 5.3.2.1) immediately upon becoming aware of a situation involving a major deficiency or serious safety-related issue that would normally be considered sufficient to detain a ship from proceeding to sea pending correction.

• (Agreement §6.5.5 and RO Code - Res. MSC.349(92), Part 3, Sec 5.3.2.4) as soon as possible, when aware of any dangerous occurrences, accidents, machinery or structural breakdowns, or failures on a ship.

• (NVIC 01-13, Change 2, Enclosure (3), Sec 1.19) when any condition of the vessel or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate of inspection, international certificates, or is such that the vessel is not fit to proceed to sea without danger to the vessel or persons on board.

• (III Code - Res. A1070(28), §18.3) in the event that a ship is found unfit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board, or is found to present an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment;

Refer also to the applicable regulations:

• 46 CFR Part 4, about Marine Casualties and Investigations

• 46 U.S. Code Subtitle II Part D Chapter 61 (§6101), about Marine Casualties and Reporting

Marine Safety Center Website

(USCG MS Bulletin 03-17)

USCG informs that the Marine Safety Center’s official website continues to be transitioned to an enhanced platform with a new web address which can be accessed at: www.dco.uscg.mil/msc.

For further information, refer to attached file “MSCIB 03-17”.

Electronic Statutory Certificates

(Refer to CG-CVC Policy Letter 17-09 in attached file “CVCPol1709-4.pdf”)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue, revise, endorse, or extend electronic certificates to U.S. Flag vessels in accordance with IMO Guidelines FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2.

Enclosure (1) to CVC Policy Letter 17-09 details the provisions for issuance and acceptance of electronic certificates on U.S. flag vessels by third parties.

Enclosure (2) to CVC Policy Letter 17-09 details the provisions for U.S. Coast Guard acceptance of electronic certificates during port state control (PSC) examinations.

Instructions for verifying electronic certificates should be available onboard ships. Likewise, any necessary equipment for verifying the validity of the certificates (computer access, Quick Response (QR) reader, etc) should be provided onboard for verification purposes.

Technical requirements

Determination for a vessel’s keel laid date or similar stage of construction

(USCG Instruction CVC-WI-015(2))

The following criteria may be used to determine the date when a keel is considered to be laid or is at a similar stage of construction:

• Keel laid to meet the requirements for a “new” or “existing vessel”, or the terms “build” or “constructed” as outlined in each respective inspection subchapter. The keel should be a structure adequate for serving as primary centerline strength member running longitudinally stem to stern along the bottom of a sip around which the hull of the vessel will be built. The keel should be accompanied by verifiably dated structural drawings/plans for a specific vessel identifiable with the keel in question and should not specify a keel length other than the length of the keel that has been laid. Attestation from the shipyard or surveyor noting the keel laying date should be made available to the Marine Inspector.

• A prefabricated section or first module of a specific vessel’s hull built that is comprised of 50 metric tons or at least 1% of the estimated mass of all structure material, whichever is less, to met the similar stage of construction requirement under “built” or “constructed”. The section or modules should be accompanied by verifiably dated structural drawings/plans for a specific vessel. Attestation from the shipyard or surveyor noting the date the vessel meets the similar stage of construction should be made available to the Marine Inspector.

• The OCMI may provide the shipyard with the keel laid date determination via correspondence.

• If the vessel’s structural drawings/plans change a a later date for the purposes of building a different vessel than originally intended, the OCMI may determine that variance is significant enough to reset the keel laid date.

• Once the keel laid date or a similar stage of construction is established, progressive construction on the identifiable vessel should continue until completion. The time taken to complete construction should be commensurate with typical construction timelines for vessels of similar size, type and complexity. The OCMI should take into account construction delays that may be associated with factors outside the control of the builder.

• For vessels that are unable to provide objective evidence of a keel laid date or a similar stage of construction, the OCMI should apply current regulations and requirements to the vessels in so far as reasonable and practical.

For further information, refer to attached file “USCG-Determination-keel-laid-date”.

LOAD LINE

Load Line Certificate

Classification after construction - Change of Flag

With reference to “Classification after Construction - Change of Flag”, Section 2 “Intact Stability File”, 2.1 “Principles”, 2.1 a), for a ship to be US Flag, it is to be verified that Reg. 10(2) of ILLC is complied with (i.e it is not to be assumed that the former authority having issued the International Load Line Certificate has checked that Regulation).

SOLAS

Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

Stability

With reference to the related technical procedure, “Examination of Stability Documents”, Section 1 “Sister Ships”, MSM IV.6.D.2 requires a sister vessel to be built in the same shipyard and within 2 years of the parent or most recent sister vessel.

All recommendations of the 2008 Intact Stability Code are to be taken as requirements.

Grain Loading Files Examination

Document of Authorization is issued only by the National Cargo Bureau (46 CFR 172.015(b))

Dry Cargo ship - Subdivision and Damage Stability

All Cargo ships must comply with 46 CFR 174.360.

Stability Instruments - Tolerance

MSC.1/Circ.1229 contains guidelines for the Approval of Stability Instruments. Para. 4.6 of this document includes a table that specifies data tolerances. More stringent tolerances should be applied for Displacement, LCB and KM:

From ISO Standard 16155:

Displacement: +/- 0.35%

KMt: min (0.2%L/0.05m)

LCB, from AP: min (0.2%L/0.05m)

SOLAS Chapter II-1/3-13

(U.S. Supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP, refer to U.S. supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP)

Testing, inspection, and certification requirements for lifting appliances contained in IMO Res. MSC.532(107) are to be satisfied by either the RO or the International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc. (ICGB).

The provisions of paragraphs 2.1 and 2.4 of Res. MSC.532(107) apply to lifting appliances which have a safe working load (SWL) below 1,000 kg only to the extent that either the RO or ICGB, as appropriate, have requirements for lifting appliances with a SWL below 1,000kg.

UnderWater survey In Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD)

(NVIC 01-89, CH-1)

Refer to Enclosure (1): Underwater Survey Guidance for Classed Vessels, which applies to vessels that are subject to inspection pursuant to 46 USC 3301, classed by an Authorized Classification Society (ACS), and obtain and maintain the corresponding classification society notation related to underwater surveys. Enclosure (1) leverages classification society delegations to streamline implementation of UWILD regulations.

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Life-Saving Appliances

Maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear

(NVIC 03-19)

USCG has published NVIC 03-19 to provide guidance to assist owners and operators of vessels that are subject to the requirements in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) on complying with the amendments to SOLAS Chapter III Regulations 3 and 20, through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Resolution MSC.404(96). These amendments will enter into force on January 1, 2020. Additionally, this NVIC provides guidance with respect to IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear.

Issues involving the unavailability of an equipment manufacturer or ASP will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the original equipment manufacturer is unavailable and there is no ASP available to conduct the required servicing or testing, the vessel owner or operator should contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division at TypeApproval@uscg.mil.

For further information, refer to attached file “NVIC 03-19 MSC.402(96) w Enclosures signed 112119.pdf”.

Use of electronic charts and publications

(Circular NVIC 01-16)

The Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-16 is updated to identify voluntary acceptable equivalencies to paper charts and publications as well as position fixing and plotting requirements under Coast Guard regulations. The NVIC also provides guidance and recommendations to vessel owners and operators and chart display manufacturers.

The use of electronic charts or electronic charting systems is not a requirement but a voluntary alternative means to comply with U.S. chart and publication carriage requirements. 

For futher information, refer to attached file “NVIC_01-16_electronic_charts_and_publications”

Voyage Data Recorder

(Administration letter Serial No. 1251-4 in attached files)

The Administration recommends harmonizing annual performance tests of VDRs with the locator beacon expiration date to reduce the risk that the battery will expire between annual VDR performance tests.

Further, it is important that service providers follow the procedures contained in IMO Resolution MSC.333(90) (superseded by Resolution MSC.494(104)) to verify that the bridge audio is intelligible in a normal speaking voice while the ship is performing normal operations and any unintended noise interference is identified.

Prohibition of PFOS - SOLAS regulations II-2/1.2.10 and 10.11

(CG-ENG Policy Letter 04-25)

The Enclosure (1) of the CG-ENG Policy Letter 04-25 provides guidance for vessel owners/operators of U.S. vessels subject to SOLAS with fixed extinguishing systems (FES) using foam concentrates, portable foam extinguishers, or portable foam applicators on board to demonstrate compliance with SOLAS regulations II-2/1.2.10 and 10.11, adopted by Resolution MSC.532(107).

Vessel owners/operators should retain copies of documents detailed in Enclosure (1) on board to demonstrate compliance.

The foam concentrate type, production period, and batch number on the foam maker’s declaration or laboratory test results should be verified to match any foam extinguishing media on board the vessel to include FES storage tanks, portable containers, or extinguishers.

When the above guidance is met, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue a statement of fact that the documentation has been reviewed and the vessel complies with SOLAS regulations II-2/1.2.10 and 10.11, articulating that the review was completed in accordance with this CG-ENG Policy Letter 04-25.

This statement of fact should include a list of, or reference a list of, the foam extinguishing media verified on board the vessel, to include the necessary system identifiers, capacities, and serial numbers.

Others

IGF Code

(U.S. Supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP, refer to U.S. supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP)

In addition to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), vessels enrolled in the ACP using LNG as fuel must meet the requirements of CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-12, CH-1.

IGC Code

(U.S. Supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP, refer to U.S. supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP)

Each liquefied gas carrier proposed for enrollment in the ACP must comply with the following requirements in addition to the applicable standards contained within SOLAS and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code):

• Cargo containment systems must be an approved design,

• meet the enhanced grades of steel as required by 46 CFR 154.170,

• meet the transverse and longitudinal contiguous hull requirements of 46 CFR 154.174 and 176,

• and meet the additional requirements of 46 CFR 154.466 for all containment systems.

• The vessel must be designed such that the cargo pressure will be maintained for 21 days as set forth in 46 CFR 154.703 for methane cargo or 46 CFR 154. 701 for all other applicable cargoes, noting that the consumption of gas as fuel may be considered in how a vessel maintains its cargo pressure within its tanks.

• The pressure relief valves for the cargo containment system must be type approved to 46 CFR 162.018 or 162.017 in accordance with 46 CFR 154.801.

• The dry chemical powder system required by 46 CFR 154.1140 and IGC Code 11.4.1 must be type approved to 46 CFR 162.039. Equivalencies for USCG approval of equipment based on guidelines of MSC.1/Circ.1315, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Equivalencies to any of the above mentioned type approved equipment should be submitted to FlagStateControl@uscg.mil.

MARPOL 73/78

Annex I - IOPP

Annex II - NLS

Annex IV

Annex V

Annex VI

Fuel Oil Consumption Reporting (Reg.22)

Classification societies that have received authorization by the U.S. Coast Guard to issue International Energy Efficiency (IEE) certificates are also authorized to issue Statements of Compliance – Fuel Oil Consumption Reporting. Results of the verification are to be reported directly to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database based on resolution MEPC.293(71).

For further information, refer to attached file “MSIB_005_18”.

EEXI & CII

Refer to email from Administration dated 23 May 2022.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is fully authorized to act on behalf of the Administration according to the adopted requirements of the regulations of MARPOL Annex VI related to the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the requirement to reduce Operational Carbon Intensity through the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII):

1. To verify the EEXI after submission of the Technical File;

2. To verify the Onboard Management Manual where Overridable Power Limitation (OPL) is required;

3. To issue the appropriate International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) or Statement of Compliance.

Recognised Organisation (RO) will only conduct the EEXI/CII statutory certification and verification for vessels where Recognised Organisation (RO) is required to issue MARPOL certificates and is classing the ship.

Engine Power Limiter (EPL) or Shaft Power Limiter (SHaPoLi)

(CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-24)

Ships that employ an EPL/SHaPoLi or engine acceleration-limiting program as a part of their EEXI compliance structure must inform pilots of the engine response characteristics prior to entry into U.S. territorial waters to comply with 33 CFR § 164.11(k).

Ships with a permanent power modification must update pilot cards and wheelhouse posters to reflect maneuverability with the device installed.

Ships should follow the IMO guidelines for recording and reporting EPL/SHaPoLi override and reserve power usage to the flag state and/or Recognized Organization (RO).

Tonnage 69

International Tonnage Certificate

Refer to Appendix C of the Agreement in Appendix C of the Agreement

All US tonnage requests shall be sent and managed directly by DA_TO (email address: DA_TO@bureauveritas.com).

MISCELLANEOUS

Non-classed vessels

A local procedure for non-classed vessels in service is available in the attached file “Local Procedures - Rev 5.pdf”.

Towing vessels (46 CFR Subchapter M)

Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE) website: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/tvncoe

A local procedure for USCG Subchapter M requirements is available in attached file “Local Procedures - Rev 5.pdf”.

Refer also to survey reports in attached files:

- "TSMS Towing Vessel Survey/Inspection"

- "TSMS Towing Vessel Survey/Dry Dock Inspection"

Recognised Organisation (RO) may perform functions of a Third-Party Organization (TPO) in accordance with 46 CFR §139.115:

• Audit the TSMS and the vessels to which they apply to verify compliance to the applicable provisions of Subchapter M.

• Issue TSMS certificates to owners or managing operators who are in compliance with part 138 (TSMS) of Subchapter M.

• Conduct surveys of towing vessels to verify compliance with the applicable provisions of Subchapter M.

• Issue survey reports that detail the results of surveys that are carried out in compliance with part 137 (Vessel Compliance) of Subchapter M.

Offshore facilities on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf

Alternate design and equipment standard for floating offshore installations (FOI) and floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units on the U.S. outer continental shelf

With reference to CG-ENG Policy Letter No. 01-13 dated 26 June 2013 (in attached file “CG-ENG PolicyLetter 01-13”), Recognised Organisation (RO) rules are accepted as an alternative to the classification society rules listed in above CG-ENG Policy Letter No. 01-13.

The U.S. Coast Guard accepts the Recognised Organisation (RO) structural and service type notations as an acceptable alternative as per USCG Letter 16700 dated 25 March 2019 (in attached file “Recognised Organisation (RO) Alternative Acceptance_Final_Signed”)

MOA between BSEE and USCG

Refer to attached file “MOA OCS-04_28JAN16” for identification of responsibilities of BSEE and the USCG for inspection and oversight of specified systems and sub-systems on Floating Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Facilities.

Applicable BSEE regulations are found under relevant parts of Title 30 (Mineral Resources) of the CFR including parts 250 and 254, available at following address: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2011-title30-vol2/CFR-2011-title30-vol2-part250

Ship Recycling and IHM

Regulation (EU) No.1257/2013

(Letter 16711 / Serial No. 542-2 dated 14/09/2020, file attached)

The Coast Guard acknowledges Recognised Organisation (RO) Marine is adhering to the EU SRR requirements and will issue the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (Statement of Voluntary Compliance) (ICIHM) and perform associated surveys and audits. A dedicated form is available in “Certificate Editor” and ASMS2 (see Specific Certificates: National and bilingual International certificates)

This certificate will remain valid until the expiry date or until the Hong Kong Convention enters into effect, whichever comes first.

Procedure for issuance of IHM when asbestos is identified onboard

(Letter 16711 / Serial No. 865-2 dated March 22, 2021 in attached file “865-2--RO IHM SOC.pdf”)

The USCG letter outlines actions Recognised Organisation (RO) should take regarding asbestos identified during an IHM survey.

When no asbestos containing materials (ACM) are identified onboard, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue the IHM SOC for a period of five years.

When asbestos containing materials (ACM) are identified onboard, two scenarios are adressed:

• Recognised Organisation (RO) issues the SOLAS Safety Construction Certificate and will issue the IHM SOC

  If the vessel was built after July 1, 2002, the primary goal is to remove all ACMs. If the asbestos is to be removed, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue an IHM SOC with a statutory condition against the Safety Construction Certificate for a period not to exceed three years. The Flag State Control Division (CG-CVC-4) will issue a Flag State Dispensation to the vessel for a period of three years to harmonize with the IHM SOC. In instances where ACMs cannot be removed, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall notify CG-CVC-4 for further guidance.

  If the vessel was built before July 1, 2002, the ACMs are allowed to remain onboard in accordance with MSC.1-Circ-1374 – Information on Prohibiting the Use of Asbestos on Board Ships as long as they do not pose a risk to the crew and the crew knows how to deal with asbestos in case ACM disturbance cannot be avoided. In this instance, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue a five year IHM SOC. For vessels where the ACM needs to be removed, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue an IHM SOC with a statutory condition against the Safety Construction Certificate for a period not to exceed three years.

• Recognised Organisation (RO) issues the IHM SOC but will not issue the SOLAS Safety Construction Certificate

  If the vessel was built after July 1, 2002 and ACMs are identified, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue an IHM SOC valid for three years from the date of completion of the initial survey. Recognised Organisation (RO) will provide specific notice to the vessel owner or operator and CG-CVC-4 regarding the location, extent, nature and status of any asbestos detected. Recognised Organisation (RO) will advise the owner or operator to forward all relevant documentation relating to the asbestos identified onboard to the Recognized Organization (RO) that issued the SOLAS Safety Construction Certificate.If the vessel was built before July 1, 2002 and ACMs are identified, Recognised Organisation (RO) should assess whether the ACMs will pose a risk to the crew. In cases where, in Recognised Organisation (RO)’s judgment, the ACMs do not pose a risk to the crew, Recognised Organisation (RO) should issue a five year IHM SOC and advise the owner or operator to forward all relevant documentation to the RO that issued the SOLAS Safety Construction Certificate. Notification to CG-CVC-4 will be made by the RO issuing the Safety Construction Certificate.

Laid up Inspected/Examined Vessels

(USCG Work Instruction CVC-WI-018(1) dated 1st September 2020)

The purpose of this work instruction (WI) is to establish guidance for Captains of the Port (COTP), Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), Marine Inspectors (MI) and Port State Control Officers (PSCO) placing a vessel into a laid up or inactive status, and returning those vessels back to service. This WI is applicable to U.S. flag inspected vessels and foreign flag vessels subject to Coast Guard Port State Control, to include Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU).

For further information, refer to the attached file “CVC-WI-018(1).pdf”.

Vessel Cyber Risk Management

(Work instruction No CVC-WI-027(2) dated 18/02/2021)

For information only for the parts related to ISM Code for which Recognised Organisation (RO) is not delegated, refer to the attached file “CVC-WI-027(2)”

Appendix — Agreement governing the delegation of Statutory Certification and Services

Agreement

see attached file: “Agreement Recognised Organisation (RO) USCG.pdf“

Appendix A of the Agreement

Applicable Instruments and Scope of Authorization

See attached files:

• “Appendix A to Agreement.pdf“

• “Addendum to the Agreement_USCG_RO SA.pdf”

Appendix B of the Agreement

Minimum Standards of a Recognized Organization

see attached file: “Appendix B to Agreement.pdf”.

Appendix C of the Agreement

Delegation of Authority to measure vessels

see attached file: “Appendix C to Agreement.pdf“.

Appendix — U.S. supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP

Untitled

See attached file “U.S. Supplement 11.12.25”

Appendix — Specific Certificates: National and bilingual International certificates

List of National certificates

- Statement of Voluntary Compliance on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM)

- Endorsement of the Statement of Voluntary Compliance on IHM

- Domestic Service Load Line Certificate