SEC VA MSIB 20-071 - Novel Coronavirus - Vessel Inspections, Exams, and Documentation

MSIB Number: 20-071
March 26, 2020

Novel Coronavirus - Vessel Inspections, Exams, and Documentation

Coast Guard Headquarters has issued MSIB 09/20 - Novel Coronavirus - Vessel Inspections, Exams, and Documentation.  All vessel owners, operators, and agents are encouraged to read this bulletin. Additional guidance for vessels operating in the Sector Virginia area of responsibility include:

U.S. Flagged Vessel Inspection Priorities

• Certificates of Inspection (COI) and Dry-dock exams will continue to be completed for all U.S Flag vessels.
• Annual inspections will be scheduled near the end of the 6 month window.

U.S. Flagged Vessel Inspection Alternatives

• Acceptance of objective evidence, in lieu of physical attendance for inspection will be used on a case by case basis. Only vessels with a history of substantial regulatory compliance and a strong safety record will be considered eligible for this option.
  
  
• Extensions of up to 90 days for inspection deadlines will be used to support vessel operators dealing with hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. If review of the vessel does not indicate a history of substantial compliance, a CG-835 will be issued to restrict vessel movement or operations until the requisite inspection is completed.
  
  
• Extensions of up to 90 days for audits conducted by Recognized Organizations (ROs) and Third Party Organizations (TPOs) on behalf of the Coast Guard, including those for Subchapter M vessels, will be granted on a case by case basis.

Port State Control (PSC) Exam Priorities

• Certificate of Compliance (COC) exams will be completed as necessary on all tank vessels and passenger vessels after review of crew health, recent ports of call, and crew member embarkation location/date.
• All other Port State Control examinations will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Fishing Vessel Safety (FVS) Exams - Commercial fishing vessels due for a 5 year dockside exam will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

***General Disclaimer: Inspection and examination deferrals should consider all appropriate conditions and implications. Case-by-case flexibility may be required in certain instances.***

For additional information, please use the following contact information:

U.S. Flagged vessels - SecVA-Inspections@uscg.mil

Port State Control Examinations - SectorVA.PSS@uscg.mil

Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety - (757) 439-8444

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This release has been issued for public information and notification purposes only.