The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) published Change 2 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-19, Guide to Marine Equipment Approvals covered by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
NVIC 02-19 provides guidance to inspectors, U.S. shipowners, operators and builders, and manufacturers on the approval of marine equipment under the US/EU, US/EEA EFTA, and US/UK Mutual Recognition Agreement(s) (MRA). The NVIC details what the MRA(s) are and how they work, the processes to follow to get MRA approval, how to find what products are approved, and provides a list of all product categories currently eligible under the MRA(s).
Under the MRA(s), European Notified Bodies are authorized to issue USCG approvals for specific lifesaving appliances, fire protection products, and navigation equipment where approval standards and procedures have been deemed equivalent. Conversely, the Coast Guard is authorized to issue equipment approvals (commonly referred to as the "Wheelmark" for EU/EEA EFTA and "Red Ensign" for UK) for the same equipment. Change 1 to NVIC 02-19 incorporated the US/UK MRA following the UK's exit from the European Union.
NVIC 02-19 Change 2 is an update to include four new product category approvals and numerous MED/UK item number changes, mirroring the most recent amendments to the MRA(s). Product categories added are pilot ladders, integrated navigation systems, C class fire boundaries, and a category of upholstered furniture. No substantial changes to the MRA(s) were made, and this change to the NVIC does not set any new policy. Additionally, the enclosures were consolidated to provide quick reference to discern US/UK/MED item numbers and requirements.
More information can be found on the ENG-4 MRA website: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/MRA/
Any questions or feedback related to this NVIC should be directed to CG-ENG-4 at typeapproval@uscg.mil.