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. 3, 2024

Update to CVC Policy Letter 23-05 — Guidance on Surveillance Requirements for Certain Commercial Vessels That Do Not Carry Passengers

The Coast Guard has published change 1 to CVC Policy Letter 23-05 — Guidance on Surveillance Requirements for Certain Commercial Vessels That Do Not Carry Passengers. This update provides further clarity to the existing guidance regarding Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) to enhance vessel safety and address sexual assault and sexual harassment through mandated surveillance systems. The list of Policy Letters and Work Instructions can also be viewed on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) website.

March 15, 2024

Rear Admiral Arguin Discusses Coast Guard Priorities at CMA 2024

Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, addressed maritime industry stakeholders at the 2024 Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) Conference in Stamford, Connecticut, March 12, 2024, highlighting the Coast Guard's strategic priorities and their impact on the maritime domain.

March 13, 2024

The The Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group to Identify and Address Seafarers’ Issues, Human Element Recommends Actions to Address Violence, Sexual Harassment, Bullying, and Assault

The second meeting of the Joint International Labour Organization (ILO)/International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tripartite Working Group to Identify and Address Seafarers' Issues and the Human Element (JTWG) met at the IMO Headquarters from February 27-29, 2024, to consider bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment, and provide recommendations for future steps to address these issues and ensure a safe working environment for seafarers.

Jan. 10, 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 2 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.