1625-0118 Stat/Authority

Title 46: Shipping

PART 8—VESSEL INSPECTION ALTERNATIVES
Contents
Subpart A—General
§8.100 Definitions.
§8.110 Incorporation by reference.
§8.120 Reciprocity.
§8.130 Agreement conditions.
Subpart B—Recognition of a Classification Society
§8.200 Purpose.
§8.210 Applicability.
§8.220 Recognition of a classification society.
§8.230 Minimum standards for a recognized classification society.
§8.240 Application for recognition.
§8.250 Acceptance of standards and functions delegated under existing regulations.
§8.260 Revocation of classification society recognition.
Subpart C—International Convention Certificate Issuance
§8.300 Purpose.
§8.310 Applicability.
§8.320 Classification society authorization to issue international certificates.
§8.330 Termination of classification society authority.
Subpart D—Alternate Compliance Program
§8.400 Purpose.
§8.410 Applicability.
§8.420 Classification society authorization to participate in the Alternate Compliance Program.
§8.430 U.S. supplement to class rules.
§8.440 Vessel enrollment in the Alternate Compliance Program.
§8.450 Termination of classification society authority.
Subpart E—Streamlined Inspection Program
§8.500 Purpose.
§8.505 Scope and applicability.
§8.510 Definitions.
§8.515 Eligibility.
§8.520 Application.
§8.525 OCMI review and action.
§8.530 Plan development and approval.
§8.535 Training and operational evaluation.
§8.540 Enrollment in SIP.
§8.545 Scope of inspection for enrolled vessels.
§8.550 Plan review and revisions.
§8.555 Disenrollment.
§8.560 Waiver.
§8.565 Appeal.
§8.570 Interim approval of prototype SIP company or vessel plans.

AUTHORITY: 33 U.S.C. 1903, 1904, 3803 and 3821; 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3306, 3316, and 3703; Department of
Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1 and Aug. 8, 2011 Delegation of Authority, Anti-Fouling Systems.
SOURCE: CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67532, Dec. 24, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Nomenclature changes to part 8 appear by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49224, Sept. 25, 2009.
Back to Top

Subpart A—General
Back to Top

§8.100 Definitions.
Authorized Classification Society means a recognized classification society that has been delegated
the authority to conduct certain functions and certifications on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Class Rules means the standards developed and published by a classification society regarding the
design, construction and certification of commercial vessels.
Classed means that a vessel meets the classification society requirements that embody the
technical rules, regulations, standards, guidelines and associated surveys and inspections covering the
design, construction and through-life compliance of a ship's structure and essential engineering and
electrical systems.
Commandant means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Delegated Function means a function related to Coast Guard commercial vessel inspection which
has been delegated to a classification society. Delegated functions may include issuance of international
convention certificates and participation in the Alternate Compliance Program under this part.
Delegated Function Related to General Vessel Safety Assessment means issuance of the SOLAS
Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or issuance of the SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
Certificate.
Exclusive Surveyor means a person who is employed solely by a classification society and is
authorized to conduct vessel surveys. Independent surveyors, hired on a case-by-case basis, or
surveyors of another classification society are not considered exclusive surveyors for the performance of
delegated functions on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Gross Tons means vessel tonnage measured in accordance with the International Convention on
Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. Vessels not measured by this convention must be measured in
accordance with the method utilized by the flag state administration of that vessel.
MARPOL 73/78 means the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and includes the Convention which means the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, including Protocols I and II and Annexes I, II,
and V thereto, including any modification or amendments to the Convention, Protocols or Annexes which
have entered into force for the United States.
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means any person from the civilian or military branch of
the Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who, under the superintendence and
direction of a Coast Guard District Commander, is in charge of an inspection zone for the performance of
duties with respect to the inspection, enforcement, and administration of 46 U.S.C., Revised Statutes, and
acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto, and rules and regulations thereunder.

Recognized Classification Society means the American Bureau of Shipping or other classification
society recognized by the Commandant under this part.
SOLAS means International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.
Back to Top

§8.110 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subchapter with the approval of the
Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. To enforce any edition other
than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of the change in
the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material must be available to the public. All material is available for
inspection at the Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast
Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509, or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material
at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. All material is
available from the sources listed in paragraph (b).
(b) The material incorporated by reference in this subchapter and the sections affected are as
follows:
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)—ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060.
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels, 1996—31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels, 1997—31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels, 1998—31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1998—107.205(b)
U. S. Supplement to ABS Rules for Steel Vessels for Vessels on International Voyages, 21 October 1996—
31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for Steel Vessels for Vessels on International Voyages, 1 August 1997—31.013(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1 June 1998—107.205(b)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)—11 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
ANSI/ASQC Q9001—1994, Quality Assurance in Design, Development, Production and Servicing, 1994—
8.230
Lloyd's Register of Shipping (LR)—100 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3BP.
Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, 1998—31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
Lloyd's Register of Shipping Supplemental Requirements, 19 September 1998—31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)
[CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67532, Dec. 24, 1997, as amended by USCG-1999-5004, 64 FR 30439, June 8, 1999; USCG2000-7790, 65 FR 58458, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60145, Sept. 30, 2013]
Back to Top

§8.120 Reciprocity.
(a) The Commandant may delegate authority to a classification society that has its headquarters in a
country other than the United States only to the extent that the flag state administration of that country
delegates authority and provides access to the American Bureau of Shipping to inspect, certify and
provide related services to vessels flagged by that country. The Commandant will determine reciprocity
on a “case-by-case” basis.
(b) In order to demonstrate that the conditions described in paragraph (a) of this section are
satisfied, a classification society must provide to the Coast Guard an affidavit, from the government of the
country that the classification society is headquartered in, listing the authorities delegated by the flag state
administration of that country to the American Bureau of Shipping, and indicating any conditions related to
the delegated authority.
(c) The Commandant will not consider an application for authorization to perform a delegated
function submitted under this part until the conditions described in paragraph (a) of this section are
satisfied. Where simultaneous authorization by a foreign government for ABS is involved, this
requirement may be waived.
(d) The Commandant will not evaluate a classification society for recognition until the conditions
described in paragraph (a) of this section are satisfied for at least one of the authorized delegations being
sought. Where simultaneous recognition by a foreign government for ABS is involved, this requirement
may be waived.
(e) The Commandant may make a delegation regarding load lines under 46 U.S.C. 5107 or
measurement of vessels under 46 U.S.C. 14103 without regard to the conditions described in paragraph
(a) of this section.
Back to Top

§8.130 Agreement conditions.
(a) Delegated functions performed by, and statutory certificates issued by, an authorized
classification society will be accepted as functions performed by, or certificates issued by, the Coast
Guard, provided that the classification society maintains compliance with all provisions of its agreement
with the Commandant. Any agreement between the Commandant and a recognized classification society
authorizing the performance of delegated functions will be written and will require the classification
society to comply with each of the following:
(1) Issue any certificates related to a delegated function in the English language.
(2) Maintain a corporate office in the United States that has adequate resources and staff to support
all delegated functions and to maintain required associated records.
(3) Maintain all records in the United States related to delegated functions conducted on behalf of
the Coast Guard.
(4) Make available to appropriate Coast Guard representatives vessel status information and
records, including outstanding vessel deficiencies or classification society recommendations, in the
English language, on all vessels for which the classification society has performed any delegated function
on behalf of the Coast Guard.

(5) Report to the Commandant (CG-CVC) the names and official numbers of any vessels removed
from class for which the classification society has performed any delegated function on behalf of the
Coast Guard and include a description of the reason for the removal.
(6) Report to the Commandant (CG-CVC) all port state detentions on all vessels for which the
classification society has performed any delegated function on behalf of the Coast Guard when aware of
such detention.
(7) Annually provide the Commandant (CG-CVC) with its register of classed vessels.
(8) Ensure vessels meet all requirements for class of the accepting classification society prior to
accepting vessels transferred from another classification society.
(9) Suspend class for vessels that are overdue for special renewal or annual survey.
(10) Attend any vessel for which the classification society has performed any delegated function on
behalf of the Coast Guard at the request of the appropriate Coast Guard officials, without regard to the
vessel's location—unless prohibited to do so under the laws of the United States, the laws of the
jurisdiction in which the vessel is located, the classification society's home country domestic law, or where
the classification society considers an unacceptable hazard to life and/or property exists.
(11) Honor appeal decisions made by the Commandant (CG-ENG) or Commandant (CG-CVC) on
issues related to delegated functions.
(12) Apply U.S. flag administration interpretations, when they exist, to international conventions for
which the classification society has been delegated authority to certificate or perform other functions on
behalf of the Coast Guard.
(13) Obtain approval from the Commandant (CG-CVC) prior to granting exemptions from the
requirements of international conventions, class rules, and the U.S. supplement to class rules.
(14) Make available to the Coast Guard all records, in the English language, related to equivalency
determinations or approvals made in the course of delegated functions conducted on behalf of the Coast
Guard.
(15) Report to the Coast Guard all information specified in the agreement at the specified frequency
and to the specified Coast Guard office or official.
(16) Grant the Coast Guard access to all plans and documents, including reports on surveys, on the
basis of which certificates are issued or endorsed by the classification society.
(17) Identify a liaison representative to the Coast Guard.
(18) Provide regulations, rules, instructions and report forms in the English language.
(19) Allow the Commandant (CG-DCO-D) to participate in the development of class rules.
(20) Inform the Commandant (CG-5PS) of all proposed changes to class rules.
(21) Provide the Commandant (CG-DCO-D) the opportunity to comment on any proposed changes
to class rules and to respond to the classification society's disposition of the comments made by the
Coast Guard.

(22) Furnish information and required access to the Coast Guard to conduct oversight of the
classification society's activities related to delegated functions conducted on behalf of the Coast Guard.
(23) Allow the Coast Guard to accompany them on internal and external quality audits and provide
written results of such audits to appropriate Coast Guard representatives.
(24) Provide the Coast Guard access necessary to audit the authorized classification society to
ensure that it continues to comply with the minimum standards for a recognized classification society.
(25) Use only exclusive surveyors of that classification society to accomplish all work done on behalf
of, or under any delegation from, the Coast Guard. For tonnage-related measurement service only,
however, classification societies may use part-time employees or independent contractors in place of
exclusive surveyors.
(26) Allow its surveyors to participate in training with the Coast Guard regarding delegated functions.
(b) Amendments to an agreement between the Coast Guard and an authorized classification society
will become effective only after consultation and written agreement between parties.
(c) Agreements may be terminated by one party only upon written notice to the other party.
Termination will occur sixty days after written notice is given.
Back to Top

Subpart B—Recognition of a Classification Society
Back to Top

§8.200 Purpose.
This subpart establishes criteria and procedures for vessel classification societies to obtain
recognition from the Coast Guard. This recognition is necessary in order for a classification society to
become authorized to perform vessel inspection and certification functions delegated by the Coast Guard
as described in this part.
Back to Top

§8.210 Applicability.
This subpart applies to all vessel classification societies seeking recognition by the Coast Guard.
Back to Top

§8.220 Recognition of a classification society.
(a) A classification society must be recognized by the Commandant before it may receive statutory
authority delegated by the Coast Guard.
(b) In order to become recognized, a classification society must meet the requirements of §8.230.

(c) A classification society found to meet the criteria for recognition will be notified in writing by the
Commandant.
(d) If the Coast Guard determines that a classification society does not meet the criteria for
recognition, the Coast Guard will provide the reason for this determination.
(e) A classification society may reapply for recognition upon correction of the deficiencies identified
by the Coast Guard.
Back to Top

§8.230 Minimum standards for a recognized classification society.
(a) In order to receive recognition by the Coast Guard a classification society must:
(1) Establish that it has functioned as an international classification society for at least 30 years with
its own class rules;
(2) Establish that is has a history of appropriate corrective actions in addressing vessel casualties
and cases of nonconformity with class rules;
(3) Establish that it has a history of appropriate changes to class rules based on their application
and the overall performance of its classed fleet;
(4) Have a total classed tonnage of at least 10 million gross tons;
(5) Have a classed fleet of at least 1,500 ocean-going vessels over 100 gross tons;
(6) Have a total classed tonnage of ocean-going vessels over 100 gross tons totaling no less than 8
million gross tons;
(7) Publish and maintain class rules in the English language for the design, construction and
certification of ships and their associated essential engineering systems;
(8) Maintain written survey procedures in the English language;
(9) Have adequate resources, including research, technical, and managerial staff, to ensure
appropriate updating and maintaining of class rules and procedures;
(10) Have adequate resources and geographical coverage to carry out all plan review and vessel
survey activities associated with delegated functions as well as classification society requirements;
(11) Employ a minimum of 150 exclusive surveyors;
(12) Have adequate criteria for hiring and qualifying surveyors and technical staff;
(13) Have an adequate program for continued training of surveyors and technical staff;
(14) Have a corporate office in the United States that provides a continuous management and
administrative presence;

(15) Maintain an internal quality system based on ANSI/ASQC Q9001 or an equivalent quality
standard;
(16) Determine classed vessels comply with class rules, during appropriate surveys and inspection;
(17) Determine that attended vessels comply with all statutory requirements related to delegated
functions, during appropriate surveys and inspection;
(18) Monitor all activities related to delegated functions for consistency and required end-results;
(19) Maintain and ensure compliance with a Code of Ethics that recognizes the inherent
responsibility associated with delegation of authority;
(20) Not be under the financial control of shipowners or shipbuilders, or of others engaged
commercially in the manufacture, equipping, repair or operation of ships;
(21) Not be financially dependent on a single commercial enterprise for its revenue;
(22) Not have any business interest in, or share of ownership of, any vessel in its classed fleet; and
(23) Not be involved in any activities which could result in a conflict of interest.
(b) Recognition may be granted after it is established that the classification society has an
acceptable record of vessel detentions attributed to classification society performance under the Coast
Guard Port State Control Program.
Back to Top

§8.240 Application for recognition.
(a) A classification society must apply for recognition in writing to the Commandant (CG-ENG).
(b) An application must indicate which specific authority the classification society seeks to have
delegated.
(c) Upon verification from the Coast Guard that the conditions of reciprocity have been met in
accordance with §8.120, the requesting classification society must submit documentation to establish that
it meets the requirements of §8.230.
Back to Top

§8.250 Acceptance of standards and functions delegated under existing regulations.
(a) Classification society class rules will only be accepted as equivalent to Coast Guard regulatory
standards when that classification society has received authorization to conduct a related delegated
function.
(b) A recognized classification society may not conduct any delegated function under this title until it
receives a separate written authorization from the Commandant to conduct that specific function.
Back to Top

§8.260 Revocation of classification society recognition.
A recognized classification society which fails to maintain the minimum standards established in this
part will be reevaluated and its recognized status revoked if warranted.
Back to Top

Subpart C—International Convention Certificate Issuance
Back to Top

§8.300 Purpose.
This subpart establishes options for vessel owners and operators to obtain required international
convention certification through means other than those prescribed elsewhere in this chapter.
Back to Top

§8.310 Applicability.
This subpart applies to:
(a) Recognized classification societies; and
(b) All U.S. flag vessels that are certificated for international voyages and are classed by a
recognized classification society that is authorized by the Coast Guard to issue the applicable
international certificate as specified in this subpart.
Back to Top

§8.320 Classification society authorization to issue international certificates.
(a) The Commandant may authorize a recognized classification society to issue certain international
convention certificates. Authorization will be based on review of:
(1) Applicable class rules; and
(2) Applicable classification society procedures.
(b) The Coast Guard may delegate issuance of the following international convention certificates to
a recognized classification society:
(1) International Load Line Certificate;
(2) International Tonnage Certificate (1969);
(3) SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate;
(4) SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate;

(5) International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;
(6) International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk;
(7) International Maritime Organization (IMO) Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate;
(8) MARPOL 73/78 International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate;
(9) MARPOL 73/78 International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid
Substances in Bulk;
(10) SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate;
(11) High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate;
(12) MARPOL 73/78 International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate;
(13) International Anti-fouling System Certificate; and
(14) MARPOL 73/78 International Energy Efficiency Certificate.
(c) The Coast Guard will enter into a written agreement with a recognized classification society
authorized to issue international convention certificates. This agreement will define the scope, terms,
conditions and requirements of that delegation. Conditions of these agreements are presented in §8.130.
[CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67532, Dec. 24, 1997, as amended by USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58342, Sept. 30, 2004;
USCG-2004-19823; 74 FR 20419, May 4, 2009; USCG 2008-1014, 74 FR 21558, May 8, 2009; USCG-2011-0745,
76 FR 76899, Dec. 9, 2011; USCG-2012-0861, 77 FR 73338, Dec. 10, 2012]
Back to Top

§8.330 Termination of classification society authority.
(a) The Coast Guard may terminate an authorization agreement with a classification society if:
(1) The Commandant revokes the classification society's recognition, as specified in §8.260; or
(2) The classification society fails to comply with the conditions of the authorization agreement as
specified in §8.130.
(b) In the event that a flag administration of a country changes conditions related to the authority
that is delegated to ABS, the Commandant may modify or revoke the Coast Guard's authorization of that
classification society that has its headquarters in that country.
(c) Certificates issued by a classification society which has had its authorization terminated will
remain valid until the next classification society survey associated with that certificate is required or until
the certificate expires, whichever occurs first.
Back to Top

Subpart D—Alternate Compliance Program

Back to Top

§8.400 Purpose.
This subpart establishes an alternative to subpart 2.01 of this chapter for certification of United
States vessels.
Back to Top

§8.410 Applicability.
This subpart applies to:
(a) Recognized classification societies; and
(b) U.S. flag vessels that are certificated for international voyages and are classed by a recognized
classification society that is authorized by the Coast Guard to participate in the Alternate Compliance
Program (ACP) as specified in this subpart and whose vessel type is authorized to participate in the ACP
per the applicable subchapter of 46 CFR chapter I.
Back to Top

§8.420 Classification society authorization to participate in the Alternate Compliance Program.
(a) The Commandant may authorize a recognized classification society to participate in the ACP.
Authorization will be based on a satisfactory review of:
(1) Applicable class rules; and
(2) Applicable classification society procedures.
(b) Authorization for a recognized classification society to participate in the ACP will require
development of a U.S. supplement to the society's class rules that meets the requirements of §8.430 of
this part, which must be accepted by the Coast Guard.
(c) A recognized classification society:
(1) Will be eligible to receive authorization to participate in the ACP only after the Coast Guard has
delegated to it the authority to issue the following certificates:
(i) International Load Line Certificate;
(ii) International Tonnage Certificate;
(iii) Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate;
(iv) Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate; and
(v) International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate; and

(2) Must have performed a delegated function related to general vessel safety assessment, as
defined in §8.100 of this part, for a two-year period.
(d) If, after this two-year period, the Coast Guard finds that the recognized classification society has
not demonstrated the necessary satisfactory performance or lacks adequate experience, the recognized
classification society will not be eligible to participate in the ACP. The Coast Guard will provide the reason
for this determination to the recognized classification society. A classification society may appeal the
decision of the Coast Guard concerning recognition to the Commandant in writing in accordance with 46
CFR 1.03-15(h)(4).
(e) The Coast Guard will enter into a written agreement with a recognized classification society
authorized to participate in the ACP. This agreement will define the scope, terms, conditions and
requirements of the necessary delegation. Conditions of this agreement are presented in §8.130.
[CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67532, Dec. 24, 1997, as amended by USCG 2004-19823, 74 FR 20419, May 4, 2009]
Back to Top

§8.430 U.S. supplement to class rules.
Prior to receiving authorization to participate in the ACP, a recognized classification society must
prepare, and receive Commandant (CG-ENG) approval of, a U.S. supplement to the recognized
classification society's class rules. This supplement must include all regulations applicable for issuance of
a Certificate of Inspection (COI) which are not, in the opinion of the Commandant, adequately established
by either the class rules of that classification society or applicable international regulations.
Back to Top

§8.440 Vessel enrollment in the Alternate Compliance Program.
(a) In place of compliance with other applicable provisions of this title, the owner or operator of a
vessel subject to plan review and inspection under this subchapter for initial issuance or renewal of a COI
may submit the vessel for classification, plan review and inspection by a recognized classification society
authorized by the Coast Guard to determine compliance with applicable international treaties and
agreements, the classification society's class rules, and the U.S. supplement prepared by the
classification society and accepted by the Coast Guard.
(b) A vessel owner or operator wishing to have a vessel inspected under paragraph (a) of this
section shall submit an Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel (CG-3752) to the cognizant OCMI, and
indicate on the form that the inspection will be conducted by an authorized classification society under the
ACP.
(c) Based on reports from an authorized classification society that a vessel complies with applicable
international treaties and agreements, the classification society's class rules, and the U.S. supplement
prepared by the classification society and accepted by the Coast Guard, the cognizant OCMI may issue a
certificate of inspection to the vessel. If the OCMI declines to issue a certificate of inspection even though
the reports made by the authorized classification society indicate that the vessel meets applicable
standards, the vessel owner or operator may appeal the OCMI decision as provided in subpart 1.03 of
this chapter.
(d) If reports from an authorized classification society indicate that a vessel does not comply with
applicable international treaties and agreements, the classification society's class rules, and the U.S.
supplement prepared by the classification society and accepted by the Coast Guard, the cognizant OCMI

may decline to issue a certificate of inspection. If the OCMI declines to issue a certificate of inspection,
the vessel owner or operator may:
(1) Correct the reported deficiencies and make arrangements with the classification society for an
additional inspection;
(2) Request inspection by the Coast Guard under other provisions of this subchapter; or
(3) Appeal via the authorized classification society to the Commandant (CG-CVC), Attn: Office of
Commercial Vessel Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20593-7501.
[CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67532, Dec. 24, 1997, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60145, Sept. 30, 2013]
Back to Top

§8.450 Termination of classification society authority.
(a) The Coast Guard may terminate an authorization agreement with a classification society to
participate in the Alternate Compliance Program if:
(1) The Commandant revokes the classification society's recognition, as specified in §8.260; or
(2) The classification society fails to comply with the conditions of the authorization agreement as
specified in §8.130.
(b) In the event that a flag administration of a country changes conditions related to the authority
that is delegated to ABS, the Commandant may modify or revoke the Coast Guard's authorization of that
classification society that has its headquarters in that country.
(c) Certificates issued by a classification society which has had its authorization to participate in the
Alternate Compliance Program terminated, will be subject to the provisions of §8.330.
(d) Owners or operators of vessels enrolled in the ACP and classed by a classification society that
has its authority to participate in the ACP terminated, must:
(1) Change the classification society for the vessel to a classification society that is authorized to
participate in the ACP; or
(2) Disenroll the vessel from the ACP.
(e) The Coast Guard will provide guidance to a vessel owner affected by the revocation of a
classification society's authority to participate in the ACP. This will include notification of when the action
required under paragraph (d) of this section must be completed.
[CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67532, Dec. 24, 1997, as amended by USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58342, Sept. 30, 2004]
Back to Top

Subpart E—Streamlined Inspection Program
SOURCE: CGD 96-055, 63 FR 44353, Aug. 18, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

Back to Top

§8.500 Purpose.
(a) This subpart establishes the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) which is a voluntary
alternative inspection program for U.S. documented or registered vessels required to maintain a valid
certificate of inspection (COI).
(b) This subpart sets out the eligibility and application requirements and the plan development and
approval procedures for enrollment of companies and their vessels in the SIP.
Back to Top

§8.505 Scope and applicability.
(a) This subpart applies to U.S. documented or registered vessels that have a valid COI.
(b) A vessel enrolled in the SIP will be inspected in accordance with its approved Vessel Action Plan
(VAP).
(c) The SIP includes all inspections required to renew and maintain a valid COI. The SIP does not
include dry-dock examinations, unscheduled inspections related to vessel casualties, equipment repair or
replacement, or vessel modifications. Those inspections will be conducted in accordance with the
subparts applicable to the vessel.
Back to Top

§8.510 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
Civil penalty means a final assessment under the provisions of 33 CFR part 1, subpart 1.07 or part
20 of this chapter.
Coast Guard SIP Advisor means the Coast Guard marine inspector assigned by the Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), to assist in the development of an action plan.
Company means the owner of the vessel or any other organization or person, such as the manager
or the bareboat charterer, who operates a vessel under the SIP.
Company Action Plan (CAP) means the document describing a company's organization, policies,
and responsibilities required for participation in the SIP.
Company SIP Agent means the individual who is responsible for the Company Action Plan and the
Vessel Action Plan development and implementation and who has the authority to bind the company to
the terms of these plans.
Correction Report means a document which sets out specific vessel deficiencies and is used to
record their correction by the company.

Documented deficiency means an incident documented in a Coast Guard record in which the
condition of a vessel, its equipment, or its operation was not in compliance with Coast Guard regulations.
Examination Checklist means any document or form approved in the VAP, that may be used by
company employees to record the periodic examinations required by the VAP.
Inspection Criteria References (ICR) means the individual pages in the VAP that list each item on
the vessel required by regulation to be periodically inspected.
Inspection Schedule and Verification (ISV) means the document that lists the items to be inspected
and the intervals for their inspection, and on which is recorded the completion of required examinations
and tests conducted by designated company employees.
Prototype SIP plan means the SIP plans developed for a company or vessel participating in a Coast
Guard District-or OCMI-endorsed SIP before August 18, 1998.
Reportable casualty means a marine casualty or accident required to be reported under 46 CFR
part 4, subpart 4.05 of this chapter.
Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) means the alternative inspection program set out in this
subpart.
Vessel Action Plan (VAP) means the document that prescribes procedures for maintenance,
examination, and inspection of a vessel enrolled in the SIP.
Back to Top

§8.515 Eligibility.
(a) The company must—
(1) Have owned or operated at least one U.S. documented or registered vessel for a minimum of 3
consecutive years before the SIP application date; and
(2) Have paid all civil penalties and user fees.
(b) Except as allowed by paragraph (c) of this section, each vessel must—
(1) Have been in operation with an eligible owner or operator for at least 3 consecutive years before
the SIP application date;
(2) Have had no revocation of its COI during the 3 years before the SIP application date; and
(3) Have no documented deficiency for any of the following in the 3 years before the SIP application
date:
(i) Any vessel operation inconsistent with the operating details specified on its COI.
(ii) Operating without the required amount of lifesaving appliances on board the vessel or with
inoperable survival craft.

(iii) Operating without the required firefighting equipment on board the vessel or with an inoperable
fire pump(s).
(iv) Unauthorized modifications to the vessel's approved systems or structure, such as fixed
firefighting systems, pollution prevention arrangements, overcurrent protection devices, or watertight
boundary arrangements.
(v) Operating without the required navigation equipment on board the vessel or with inoperable
navigation equipment.
(c) A vessel constructed for, or acquired by, a company with one or more vessels enrolled in the SIP
need not meet the requirement in paragraph (b)(1) of this section for enrollment in the SIP, provided that
the vessel holds a valid COI issued by the OCMI where the vessel will principally operate.
Back to Top

§8.520 Application.
To apply for SIP enrollment, a company will submit an application, in writing, to the cognizant OCMI.
The application must contain the following:
(a) A statement that the company and prospective vessel(s) meet the requirements of §8.515.
(b) A summation of the company's current status in relation to §8.530(a).
(c) The name and official number of the vessel(s) the company intends to enroll in the SIP.
(d) The name and contact information for the Company SIP Agent.
Back to Top

§8.525 OCMI review and action.
(a) The cognizant OCMI will review Coast Guard records for the 3 years before the SIP application
date to verify the eligibility of the company and each vessel listed in the SIP application.
(b) If the company and one or more of its vessels meets the eligibility requirements contained in
§8.515, the cognizant OCMI will notify the company of its eligibility and assign a Coast Guard SIP
Advisor.
(c) If, according to Coast Guard records, a company or vessel does not meet the eligibility
requirements contained in §8.515, the cognizant OCMI will notify the company in writing of its ineligibility
stating each reason for not accepting the company or a vessel.
Back to Top

§8.530 Plan development and approval.
The Company SIP Agent will develop the CAP and VAP with guidance from the Coast Guard SIP
Advisor for OCMI approval.

(a) Company Action Plan. The CAP shall include at least the following:
(1) A copy of the OCMI CAP approval letter (once the CAP is approved).
(2) An organization commitment statement.
(3) A company organization chart that includes the name(s) of the designated SIP support personnel
who will be responsible for implementation and oversight of the approved CAP and VAP(s).
(4) A statement describing the responsibilities and authorities of personnel involved in the
examination and maintenance of the vessel(s) for the company.
(5) A description of the method the company will use to integrate the applicable subpart regulations
into its SIP and the method or system used to initiate corrective action.
(6) A description of the company's safety program.
(7) A description of the company's environmental protection program.
(8) A description of the company's training infrastructure, the method used to track and record
training for individual employees, and the training required for the designated SIP support personnel to
implement the CAP and the VAP.
(9) A master list of all SIP documents and ICRs that the company intends to use in its VAP(s).
(10) Appendices for each approved VAP.
(b) Vessel Action Plan. Each VAP shall include at least the following:
(1) A copy of the OCMI VAP approval letter (once the VAP is approved).
(2) A description of the method that will be used to integrate the VAP into the vessel's regular
operations.
(3) Vessel-specific ICRs.
(4) Vessel-specific ISV forms.
(5) Vessel-specific examination checklists.
(6) Correction reports.
(c) Plan Approval. The Company SIP Agent will submit the CAP and each VAP to the cognizant
OCMI for approval. Once approved, a copy of the VAP shall be kept on board the vessel.
Back to Top

§8.535 Training and operational evaluation.
When the CAP and VAP(s) have been approved by the cognizant OCMI, the company may begin
training and operating under the plans. This evaluation phase includes the following:

(a) The company shall provide the designated SIP support personnel with training as required by the
CAP.
(b) The vessel must operate and be examined under the VAP for a period of at least 3 months.
(c) During the operational periods, the Coast Guard SIP Advisor will conduct an ongoing evaluation
of the vessel's operation, the training records, and the ability of all designated persons to perform their
assigned functions under the VAP. The Coast Guard SIP Advisor will report periodically to the cognizant
OCMI and the Company SIP Agent on the vessel's performance, and make recommendations, if needed.
(d) Revisions recommended under paragraph (c) of this section, or any additional operational
periods under a revised CAP or VAP as may be required by the cognizant OCMI must be completed prior
to enrollment.
Back to Top

§8.540 Enrollment in SIP.
Upon successful completion of the training and evaluation phase, the Coast Guard SIP Advisor will
recommend to the OCMI that the company or vessel be enrolled in the SIP. If the OCMI concurs with the
recommendation, he or she will issue an enrollment letter and endorse the vessel's COI. Subsequent
inspections covered under this subpart will be conducted in accordance with the approved VAP.
Back to Top

§8.545 Scope of inspection for enrolled vessels.
(a) A Coast Guard marine inspector will conduct required periodic and follow-on inspections
necessary to ensure compliance with Coast Guard regulations.
(b) A Coast Guard marine inspector will conduct the inspections in paragraph (a) of this section in
accordance with the procedures set out in the VAP. These inspections will normally include the following:
(1) Administrative review. This portion of the inspection consists of a review of prior Coast Guard
SIP inspection forms, the contents of the VAP, and other certifications of equipment and vessel systems.
(2) SIP performance review. This portion of the inspection consists of a review of vessel SIP
documentation and records, review of the SIP procedures, and a company evaluation of their SIP.
(3) Materiel review. This portion of the inspection consists of a general examination of the vessel,
witnessing the examination of selected items under the VAP by company designated SIP support
personnel, inspection of selected items, and witnessing crew performance in drills.
(4) Conclusion and recommendations. This portion of the inspection contains the Coast Guard
marine inspector's evaluation of regulatory compliance of the vessel under its VAP.
(c) A Coast Guard marine inspector may conduct any additional tests or examinations of vessel
equipment or systems necessary to ensure compliance with Coast Guard regulations during an
inspection covered in paragraph (a) of this section.
Back to Top

§8.550 Plan review and revisions.
(a) Mandatory reviews and revisions. The CAP and VAP(s) must be reviewed and revised as
follows:
(1) Every 2 years after the plan approval date, the company shall review the CAP and update all
information required by §8.530.
(2) Every 5 years after the plan approval date, the Coast Guard SIP Advisor and the Company SIP
Agent will review the VAP.
(3) If a reportable casualty occurs, the cognizant OCMI will review the portions of the VAP related to
equipment, training, personnel, and systems involved in the casualty and determine whether revisions to
the VAP are appropriate.
(4) When statutes or regulations change, the appropriate sections of the CAP and VAP(s) will be
revised.
(b) Discretionary reviews and revisions. The CAP and VAP(s) may be reviewed and revised by the
company at any time. The revisions must be submitted to the cognizant OCMI for approval.
Back to Top

§8.555 Disenrollment.
(a) Voluntary disenrollment. A company may request SIP disenrollment (which includes all of its
vessels) or may request disenrollment of a specific vessel from the SIP by writing to the cognizant OCMI.
The OCMI will then issue a letter disenrolling the vessel or company. Disenrolled vessels will be
inspected in accordance with the requirements of 46 CFR part 2, subpart 2.01 of this chapter.
(b) Company disenrollment. The OCMI may issue a letter disenrolling the company if the company
no longer has at least one enrolled vessel or if the company fails to continue to meet the eligibility
requirements in §8.515.
(c) Vessel disenrollment. The OCMI may issue a letter disenrolling a vessel if any one or more of the
following occurs:
(1) The sale of the vessel.
(2) A finalized letter of warning or assessment of a civil penalty for—
(i) Operating outside the scope of the vessel's COI or Stability Letter;
(ii) Not reporting a personnel or material casualty required to be reported under 46 CFR part 4; or
(iii) A material deficiency listed in §8.515(b)(3).
Back to Top

§8.560 Waiver.

(a) A Coast Guard District Commander may waive any requirement of this subpart—
(1) If good cause exists for granting a waiver; and
(2) If the safety of the vessel and those on board will not be adversely affected.
(b) Requests for waiver of any requirement of this subpart must be submitted in writing to the
cognizant OCMI for review before forwarding to the Coast Guard District Commander for action.
(c) A copy of each waiver granted under this section shall be maintained at all times in the VAP.
Back to Top

§8.565 Appeal.
A company may appeal any decision or action taken under this subpart in accordance with 46 CFR
part 1, subpart 1.03 of this chapter.
Back to Top

§8.570 Interim approval of prototype SIP company or vessel plans.
(a) A company operating under an approved prototype SIP company or vessel plan must apply in
writing by November 1, 1998, to the cognizant OCMI for approval to continue operating under the plans
while revisions are developed to bring the prototype SIP company or vessel plan into conformance with
this subpart. The OCMI may approve the request for a period of up to 3 years.
(b) A company that does not request approval as required by paragraph (a) of this section or does not
obtain approval to continue operating under a prototype SIP company or vessel plan by February 1, 1999,
may no longer operate under the plans and will be inspected in accordance with the requirements of 46
CFR part 2, subpart 2.01 of this chapter.