The Coast Guard has revised CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-16, titled “Portable Accommodation Modules (PAM) Guidance,” to increase flexibility by incorporating additional design standards and to implement a risk-based inspection process that streamlines the compliance verification processes by eliminating unnecessary plan submittals and inspections.
PAM are temporary quarters used in the offshore energy industry for a variety of purposes. These modules provide essential living and working space for personnel on offshore locations such as platforms, rigs, and vessels.
This update reflects the Coast Guard’s continued commitment to improving efficiency, consistency, and safety across the offshore support vessel industry. It clarifies that the Coast Guard’s policy is to accept the plan review, survey, and documentation processes of classification societies for PAM. Further, this revised policy provides specific guidance to Coast Guard inspectors for determining when lower risk PAM installations do not require Coast Guard plan submittal or inspection.
Benefits include:
- Increasing industry efficiency by reducing the frequency and number of Coast Guard verifications
- Increasing America’s competitiveness by reducing burdens on U.S. flagged vessels
- Optimizing Coast Guard resources by focusing on higher-risk operations
Please visit Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) or contact us at CGENG@uscg.mil with any questions.
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