NVIC
USCG Marine Casualty Reporting Procedures Guide with Associated Standard Interpretations
The Coast Guard published Navigation and Vessel Circular, or NVIC 01-15, to provide guidance for the identification and reporting of marine casualties. Over the years, maritime industry stakeholders frequently noted that Coast Guard field commands had varying interpretations regarding what types of marine incidents should be reported and investigated under 46 CFR Part 4.
To address the concerns, NVIC 01-15 clarifies terminology and phrases within the regulatory context, draw attention to helpful regulatory citations and provide concise policy interpretations to assist involved parties in the casualty reporting process. It is impossible to outline every scenario that may apply to this subject within the highly dynamic and complex maritime environment; however, this circular is intended to serve as a common framework of understanding for both Coast Guard and maritime industry personnel.
Due to the complexity of the subject and inconsistent enforcement, the Coast Guard recognizes that additional guidance to clarify these requirements would benefit both Coast Guard field commanders and the marine industry. Such clarification furthers the Coast Guard’s goal of providing consistent national guidance regarding marine casualty reporting to all stakeholders.
This circular provides additional guidance to standardize the collection and reporting of marine casualty data by clarifying existing regulations, policies, and procedures. Specifically, enclosure (1) assists responsible parties with the evaluation of occurrences that would constitute a reportable marine casualty or hazardous condition and subsequently require action by both the Coast Guard and maritime industry stakeholders. The Coast Guard should be notified of a hazardous condition under 33 CFR 160.216 for certain types of incidents that do not reach the threshold of a reportable marine casualty.
NVIC 01-2015
USCG Highlights Changes in Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the Maritime Security Program (MSP)
USCG issued MSIB 05/15 highlighting changes in the Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the MSP. Concurrent with the first annual review of NVIC 01-13 the Coast Guard considered policy enhancements designed to better facilitate the transition and continued service of vessels under the MSP. In addition to the changes resulting from public comments, the Coast Guard has prepared enhancements intended to maximize flexibility by promoting alternative inspection programs.
FOREMOST, revisions were made to streamline the periodically unattended machinery space (PUMS) approval process, provide a standardized equivalency for design and technical specifications under Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) supplements, and clarify the provisions for servicing certain fire fighting equipment and life-rafts.
To view the highlights CLICK HERE
USCG NVIC – Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the Maritime Security Program
The Coast Guard announces the availability of Change-1 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, or NVIC, 01-13, Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the Maritime Security Program, or MSP.
The MSP serves as a means for establishing a fleet of commercially viable and militarily useful vessels to meet national defense as well as other security requirements. NVIC 01-13 provides guidance to assist vessel owners/operators, Authorized Classification Societies and Coast Guard personnel with the inspection and certification of vessels under the MSP.
This change does the following:
• Clarifies the process for the issuance of the Certificate of Documentation to the vessel during the reflag process
• Adds a note to the equivalency provisions for inspection of MSP vessels subsequent to initial certification
• Clarifies the trial period requirements for automated systems in machinery spaces
• Includes interim provisions for those vessels seeking to operate with minimally attended or periodically unattended machinery spaces
• Makes other technical changes to NVIC 01-13.
Links to all pertaining documents:
NVIC 01-13: Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the Maritime Security Program
MSIB 05-15: NVIC 01-13 Change-1 Highlights
Change-1 to NVIC 01-13 is effective June 4, 2015.
Source: USCG NVIC
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