On 22 April 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) published CG-CVC-WI-002(1), Qualship 21 & E-Zero Programs, available for reference on CVC’s Mission Management System (MMS) webpage.
This product applies to foreign-flagged vessels which call upon ports in U.S. waters, and provides guidance to owners, operators, and agents of said vessels who are enrolled, or will consider future enrollment in the Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 and E-Zero programs. These programs provide the Coast Guard’s port state control program with the ability to recognize and reward higher quality vessels who have demonstrated a superior commitment to safety and quality.
The Qualship 21 (i.e., “quality shipping in the 21st century”) program was established on January 1, 2001, and the E-Zero program was established on July 1, 2017. The E-Zero program is an addition to the existing Qualship 21 program and recognizes exemplary vessels that have consistently adhered to environmental compliance, while also demonstrating an increased commitment to environmental stewardship.
Previously, information regarding these programs was located here: Qualship 21 Initiative (uscg.mil). The lists of vessels currently enrolled in the respective programs will continue to be posted to the webpage. However, information regarding application, enrollment, incentives, as well as criteria for entry, exit, and renewal will now be in CVC-WI-002(1).
Any questions or feedback related to this Work Instruction should be directed to CG-CVC at portstatecontrol@uscg.mil.