March 26, 2024

Coast Guard releases Marine Safety Information Bulletin 02-24: Resumption of Billing TSMS Option User Fees and New User Fee Amounts for all Inspected Towing Vessels

The Coast Guard recently released Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 02-24: Resumption of Billing TSMS Option User Fees and New User Fee Amounts for all Inspected Towing Vessels.

Sept. 29, 2023

Marine Safety Information Bulletin 11-23 Released: Properly Providing Fuel Type(s) on Notices of Arrival

MSIB 11-23 was released to alert industry to the changes recently incorporated on the notice of arrival (NOA) form.

Sept. 29, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions on Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment Reporting Requirements

Beginning in April 2023, Coast Guard Officers in Charge, Marine Inspections (OCMI) began a year-long education and outreach campaign to maritime industry personnel on the requirements and preferred mechanisms for an individual or responsible entity to file a report. During these interactions, Coast Guard personnel encountered a series of frequently asked questions, which are provided below.

April 12, 2023

MSIB: Fire safety on small passenger vessels

The Coast Guard has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 05-23, Fire Safety on Small Passenger Vessels, which encourages owners and operators to do a self-assessment of the fire safety of their vessel(s).

April 10, 2023

MSIB: Reduced Visibility from the Navigation Bridge

The Coast Guard Inspections and Compliance Directorate has released Marine Safety Information Bulletin 04-23, to advise mariners that an increasing number of break-bulk and retrofitted bulk carriers are arriving in the U.S. carrying wind turbine parts stowed in a manner that substantially limits visibility from the navigation bridge. Many of these vessels were issued dispensation letters by their flag administration or recognized organization that temporarily exempted compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 Chapter V, Regulation 22, which specifies requirements regarding navigation bridge visibility standards.