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.

Dec. 16, 2024

Final Rule: Updated Document Submission Process for Compliance with Electronic Records Mandate

The Coast Guard is issuing a final rule to update regulations that reflect the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center’s processes and capabilities, as well as align regulations with statutory reporting timelines. The processes noted pertain to electronic file submissions, requirements for submission of original build evidence, and return of existing Certificates of Documentation (CODs). In addition, the time period related to reporting changes to COD information is updated to align with statute.

Nov. 1, 2024

REMINDER: 46 U.S.C. § 4901 Upcoming Compliance on December 23, 2024

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.

Oct. 11, 2024

CG-CVC Policy Letter 24-03 “Guidance for Vessel Requests to Participate in Hurricane Relief Operations”

The Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance is pleased to announce the publication of CG-CVC Policy Letter 24-03, Guidance for Vessel Requests to Participate in Hurricane Relief Operations.