News: US Coast Guard update on vessel inspections

​On 26 March 2020, the United States Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 09-20 which concerns the modification of requirements related to vessel inspections, exams and documentation. Members should take note of the following guidance:

• ​US-flagged members due for renewals, annual inspections, periodic inspections, drydock inspections and internal structural examinations should contact the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). The OCMI after review of the ship’s history and discussions with the owner or operator may delay the inspection for up to 90 days, require coast guard attendance on the ship in full or abbreviated format, or accept objective evidence (eg recent classification surveys, photographs, ship logs, video) in lieu of actual onboard attendance.
  
  
• Members should take note that Port State Control (PSC) examinations will be conducted on the basis of a risk-based program to determine which ships will undergo a PSC. The coast guard will not issue deficiencies or detain vessels for expired certificates, documents or mariner credentials until 1 October 2020.
  
  
• Members due for Certificate of Compliance (COC) examinations based on statutory or regulatory requirements should contact the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). The OCMI after review of the ship’s history and discussions with the owner or operator may require coast guard attendance onboard in full or abbreviated format or defer an inspection or examination for up to 90 days.

The full text of Marine Safety Information Bulletin 09-20 is available in an attachment to this news item. If you have questions about any of this alert please contact your usual claims handler at the club for further assistance.​