The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) has issued Policy Letter 03-23, Guidance for the U.S. Implementation of the Code for the Transport and Handling of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels – OSV Chemical Code.
On December 6, 2017, IMO Resolution A.1122(30) adopted the 2018 edition of the OSV Chemical Code, which provided a framework for an OSV to carry cargoes beyond those enumerated in IMO Resolution A.673(16). Policy Letter 03-23 describes Coast Guard policy for issuing a Certificate of Fitness (or OSV Chemical Code Certificate) in accordance with the OSV Chemical Code. An OSV holding an OSV Chemical Code Certificate may utilize the self-classification procedures of Chapter 16 of the OSV Chemical Code by following the requirements outlined in Enclosure 2 to this policy letter.
Carriage in accordance with CG-ENG Policy Letter 03-12, CH-1 (IMO Resolution A.673(16)) will remain an option for NLS carriage. Enclosure 1 to Policy Letter 03-23 describes the different options available for OSV NLS carriage. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact CG-ENG-5 at hazmatstandards@uscg.mil.