1625-0084 Stat/Authority

46 CFR Part 8 (up to date as of 10/24/2024)
Vessel Inspection Alternatives

46 CFR Part 8 (Oct. 24, 2024)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 46 —Shipping
Chapter I —Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Subchapter A —Procedures Applicable to the Public
Part 8 Vessel Inspection Alternatives
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.
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§ 8.525
§ 8.530
§ 8.535
§ 8.540
§ 8.545
§ 8.550
§ 8.555
§ 8.560
§ 8.565
§ 8.570

46 CFR Part 8 (Oct. 24, 2024)

OCMI review and action.
Plan development and approval.
Training and operational evaluation.
Enrollment in SIP.
Scope of inspection for enrolled vessels.
Plan review and revisions.
Disenrollment.
Waiver.
Appeal.
Interim approval of prototype SIP company or vessel plans.

PART 8—VESSEL INSPECTION ALTERNATIVES
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1903, 1904, 3803 and 3821; 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3306, 3316, 3703, and 70034; 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.
Subpart A—General
§ 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.
46 CFR 8.100 “Exclusive Surveyor” (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.100 “Gross Tons”

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.

§ 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—31.01-3(b), 71.15-5(b), 91.15-5(b)

46 CFR 8.110(b) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.120

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; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR
58458, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60145, Sept. 30, 2013]

§ 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-bycase” 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.

§ 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:
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46 CFR 8.130(a)(1)

(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.
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46 CFR 8.130(a)(18)

(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.

Subpart B—Recognition of a Classification Society
§ 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.

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

§ 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.
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46 CFR 8.220(d)

(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.

§ 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;

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46 CFR 8.230(a)(20)

(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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

Subpart C—International Convention Certificate Issuance
§ 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.

§ 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.

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46 CFR 8.320

§ 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;
(14) MARPOL 73/78 International Energy Efficiency Certificate;
(15) Polar Ship 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; USCG-2016-0880, 82 FR 44118, Sept. 21, 2017]

§ 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

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46 CFR 8.330(a)(2)

(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.

Subpart D—Alternate Compliance Program
§ 8.400 Purpose.
This subpart establishes an alternative to subpart 2.01 of this chapter for certification of United States vessels.

§ 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.

§ 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
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46 CFR 8.420(c)(2)

(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]

§ 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.

§ 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:
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46 CFR 8.440(d)(1)

(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]

§ 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]

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

§ 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).

46 CFR 8.500(a) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.500(b)

(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.

§ 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 drydock 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.

§ 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.
46 CFR 8.510 “Reportable casualty” (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.510 “Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP)”

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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

46 CFR 8.520(d) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.525

§ 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.

§ 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.
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46 CFR 8.530(c)

(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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 8.550 Plan review and revisions.
(a) Mandatory reviews and revisions. The CAP and VAP(s) must be reviewed and revised as follows:
46 CFR 8.550(a) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.550(a)(1)

(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.

§ 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).

§ 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.

§ 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.

46 CFR 8.565 (enhanced display)

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46 CFR 8.570

§ 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.

46 CFR 8.570(b) (enhanced display)

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