Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) § 4901(c)(1) requires the installation of video and audio surveillance equipment aboard applicable vessels not later than December 23, 2024, or during the next scheduled drydock, whichever is later. The term “next scheduled drydock” is used without distinction of survey, the next scheduled drydocking in this case being scheduled for out of the water inspection or survey. This means that if a vessel had a scheduled drydock between December 23, 2022, and December 23, 2024, then the vessel must comply by December 23, 2024. If no scheduled drydock occurred between December 23, 2022, and December 23, 2024, then the vessel must comply by the next drydock date after December 23, 2024.
CVC Policy Letter 23-05, Change 1 — Guidance on Surveillance Requirements for Certain Commercial Vessels That Do Not Carry Passengers provides further clarity of surveillance systems that are mandated by section 4901 of Title 46, U.S.C. The list of Policy Letters and Work Instructions can also be viewed on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) website.
If you have any questions regarding implementation of 46 U.S.C. § 4901 on your vessel, please seek advice from your local Officer in Charge, Marine inspections. For any questions regarding this blog post, please contact USCG-FlagStateControl@uscg.mil.
###vessel compliance, SASH, surveillance