US Coast Guard Streamlines Certification Process for Foreign Ships

The US Coast Guard has made significant advancements in streamlining the process for foreign ships to be certificated under the American Registry. By consolidating the process under a single program based on international standards, the Coast Guard aims to enhance efficiency without compromising safety standards.

Impact on Safety and Efficiency

This move is not expected to impact safety standards. On the contrary, it will reduce the pre-inspection plan review and the national equivalency process, thereby avoiding schedule delays and minimizing modification costs for closing regulatory gaps. Additionally, this streamlined process will expedite the Ready Reserve Force recapitalization with foreign-built vessels.

Assistance for Vessel Owners and Operators

To assist vessel owners and operators in navigating this new streamlined process, the US Coast Guard has released Change-2 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-13, Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the Maritime Security Program (MSP).

Under this streamlined reflagging program, the US Coast Guard has clarified the enrollment process, streamlined plan review, and further explained the eligibility for foreign-built vessels to be inspected and certificated in accordance with NVIC 01-13. The update emphasizes that while some commercial vessels may receive payment as part of their MSP enrollment, it is not a precondition for certification.

Enrollment Criteria and Sealift Support Programs

Other foreign-built vessels may enroll in voluntary sealift support programs established by MARAD and utilize the guidance provided in NVIC 01-13 to obtain a Certificate of Inspection, provided they meet the enrollment criteria specified by MARAD. This includes vessels reflagging as part of the Ready Reserve Force recapitalization. In the revised guidance, all vessels will be generally referred to as “MSP vessels” regardless of the sealift support program for which MARAD has determined eligibility.

Overall, the US Coast Guard’s efforts to streamline the certification process for foreign ships under the American Registry will not only enhance efficiency but also ensure that safety standards are upheld. This initiative will benefit vessel owners, operators, and the maritime industry as a whole by facilitating smoother transactions and promoting international standards compliance.