April 22, 2024

Announcement: CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-24: Guidance Regarding Devices that Alter Maneuvering Characteristics of Ships

The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards issued a new Policy Letter outlining guidance for when devices such as Engine Power Limiters (EPLs) and Shaft Power Limiters (SHaPoLis) should be engaged and disengaged in U.S. waters.

March 18, 2024

Announcement: Clarification on Interconnected Fire Systems Onboard Covered Small Passenger Vessels

The Coast Guard published an interim rule on December 27, 2021, to implement Congressionally-mandated requirements for fire safety on “covered small passenger vessels” (CSPVs), as defined by 46 U.S.C. 3306(n). Congress adopted the statutory mandate in response to the fire and loss of 34 lives onboard the dive boat CONCEPTION off the California coast on 02 September 2019.  The USCG has identified a need to clarify the reference in 46 CFR 175.110(c) with respect to fire detection systems. 

Feb. 1, 2024

Announcement: The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) approves first synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate (PFAS-free) to pass NFPA 11, Annex F Test Method

The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) has approved the first synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate (PFAS-free) to pass the NFPA 11, Annex F Test Method. Hiller Systems has received USCG approval to use their “Hiller Haven Green” synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate, also known as “Solberg Re-Healing 3x3% SP-100 AR-SFFF Alcohol Resistant Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam Concentrate” with their USCG Certificate of Approval (COA) 162.033/47. This COA can be viewed on CGMIX at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/Default.aspx.

Jan. 2, 2024

NCTSAC Update

The National Chemical Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (NCTSAC) was created in 2018, continuing the work of the legacy Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), in existence since 1949.

Nov. 21, 2023

Federal Register Notice: 2022 Liquid Chemical Categorization Updates

The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is aligning liquid chemical categorization tables in its tank vessels and bulk dangerous cargo regulations with the 2020 Edition of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and the International Maritime Organization’s 2019 Marine Environment Protection Committee’s Circular 25.