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.

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.

Jan. 2, 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 an update to MSIB 13-23 — Coast Guard Policies to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Vessels. This update includes information on 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. In November of 2023, the Coast Guard released four policy documents to provide compliance guidance.

Nov. 15, 2023

New Policies Related to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Commercial Vessels

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 introduced important updates to various laws within Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) to enhance crew safety and address sexual assault and sexual harassment. Key changes include mandated surveillance systems, crew training, reporting procedures, and master key controls on select vessels.