Announcement: CG-ENG website updated for electronic record books

On 18 August 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-23, Guidance for the Voluntary use of MARPOL Electronic Record Books on U.S. Flag Vessels.

The U.S. Coast Guard has since reviewed multiple logbooks, and issued letters of acknowledgement of assessment for logbooks that meet the guidelines within NVIC 01-23. The list of companies and associated logbooks that have received an acknowledgement of assessment can be found on dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/5ps/Design and Engineering Standards/List of ERBs acknowledged updated.pdf. This list will be updated periodically.

Please note that the assessment is the first of a two-part approach outlined within NVIC 01-23 for utilization of an electronic record book onboard a US flagged vessel. In order for a Coast Guard assessed electronic record book to meet MARPOL requirements, ship owners and operators must obtain a Declaration of MARPOL Electronic Record Book. Ship owners and operators seeking to use product that has received an acknowledgment of assessment should apply to the Authorized Classification Society (ACS) that issued the applicable IMO certification. For the purpose of electronic record books, an ACS with MARPOL delegations may issue a “Declaration of MARPOL Electronic Record Book” if the ACS possesses the specific authorization for the delegation from which that electronic record book stems. Please view NVIC 01-23 for additional information. Further details for U.S. flagged ship owners and operators seeking to use your acknowledged product is outlined within NVIC 01-23, paragraph 6.c.

Vessel owners and other interested parties should contact the Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) at CGENG@uscg.mil with any questions or feedback.