On 18 September 2025, the Coast Guard and its recognized organizations (ROs) advanced data integrity, performance measurement, and emerging-technology oversight to support the Nation’s broader effort to restore American maritime strength.
Ninety percent of world trade moves by sea, driving roughly $5.4 trillion in annual U.S. commerce and supporting more than 31 million American jobs. ROs—classification societies authorized by federal regulation—are indispensable partners in safeguarding that economic engine. Each year the Coast Guard hosts the RO Summit to strengthen this partnership and chart the way ahead. The 10th annual Summit convened on 18 September 2025 in Washington, D.C.
The Flag State Control Division of the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance was created seven years ago. It serves as the Coast Guard’s central point for third-party oversight. The relationships with ROs are critical partnerships to ensure the safety and security of the marine transportation system and the responsible operation of U.S.-flag vessels on the marine transportation system and its growing capacity demands. The nation’s economic power is enabled through the direct support of ROs.
Strengthening relationships between ROs and the Coast Guard is a critical aspect of the RO Summit each year. The Coast Guard, through federal regulations, has delegated certain statutory inspection and certification functions to ROs. These delegations authorize third-party ROs to act on behalf of the Coast Guard in conducting surveys and issuing certificates, reducing duplicative inspections and minimizing the regulatory burden of compliance. In doing so, the Coast Guard maintains an equivalent level of safety to domestic standards and enhances the competitive position of the domestic fleet.
The shipping industry is evaluating new energy options to enhance operational safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels are being increasingly explored or used as alternatives to heavy fuel oil and marine diesel oil. While the Coast Guard maintains regulatory oversight, ROs have technical capacity and experience, providing valuable insight into emerging technologies and industry trends.
New technologies and emerging vessel systems are changing the way surveyors and inspectors manage regulatory compliance. Open dialogue between ROs and the Coast Guard is essential to address the operational impacts of alternative fuels. This communication between the Coast Guard and ROs ensures potential safety issues are vetted properly, facilitating safe transportation upon our nation’s waterways.
The Coast Guard thanks all participating ROs for their candor and professionalism. By working together on data integrity, consistent standards, and technology adoption, we ensure the U.S. flag remains a global mark of quality and that the Nation’s maritime transportation system continues to thrive.
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