The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the authorized classification societies, has updated the supplement for U.S.-flagged ships certificated under the American Registry’s Alternate Compliance Program (ACP).
The single U.S. supplement to international conventions and classification society rules, first published in 2021, is used for all vessels enrolling in the ACP. This update takes that applicability a step further by applying the revision to all vessels enrolled in the ACP, not just those enrolling for the first time. This broader applicability streamlines the ACP by making the standards clearer and more consistent, further easing the regulatory burden of building oceangoing vessels in the United States.
Additional enhancements include:
- Provides new guidance to facilitate the use of novel technologies, such as lithium-ion battery installations.
- Expands guidance on testing and maintenance requirements for all vessels enrolled in the ACP.
- Adds new general provisions for offshore supply vessels and oceanographic research vessels to participate in the ACP, reducing the need for case-by-case determinations.
- Incorporates international standards for low-flashpoint fuels and gas carriers under the ACP.
The ACP is a voluntary USCG program designed to reduce the regulatory burden of compliance and enhance the competitive position of U.S.-flag vessels. It does this by leveraging the survey and certification functions performed by Authorized Classification Societies, also known as Recognized Organizations (ROs). The ACP promotes flexibility in vessel construction and reduces duplicative inspections and surveys. It is designed to maintain an equivalent level of safety to the standards required by Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This effort supports executive actions as well as the national policy for the U.S. Merchant Marine to carry waterborne commerce at all times and to serve as a naval auxiliary during national contingencies.
The revised U.S. Supplement will be used by all ACP-authorized ROs for all vessel types in the ACP. The U.S. supplement can be found here.
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