Jan. 17, 2025

Final Rule: Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System

The Coast Guard has published a final rule in the Federal Register to update cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities, and facilities subject to Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA).

Jan. 16, 2025

USCG Releases Guidance to Local Harbor Safety Committees

RADM Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, has signed a new Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular to provide guidance to public and private stakeholders participating in local Harbor Safety Committees to improve and enhance local coordination of Marine Transportation System issues

Jan. 5, 2025

National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee - Small MASS Intersessional Meeting

The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing is hosting an intersessional meeting of the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee Subcommittee on Operator of Remote-Controlled Survey Vessels of 65’ or less on January 27, 2025. The meeting will be held virtually, through Microsoft Teams. Pre-registration is not required for this meeting.

Dec. 23, 2024

Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers

On Nov 21st, 2024, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) finalized a helpful compliance resource, Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers, to assist shippers to safely package lithium cells and batteries for transport by all modes, including vessel shipments, with new regulatory requirements based on cell or battery configuration as well as Watt-hour (Wh) rating.

Dec. 23, 2024

Update to MSIB 13-23 — Coast Guard Policies to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Vessels

The Coast Guard has published change 3 to MSIB 13-23 — Coast Guard Policies to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Vessels. This update provides further clarity to the existing frequently asked questions from the public regarding changes to Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) to enhance vessel safety and address sexual assault and sexual harassment.