The Coast Guard has published the revised Commercial Vessel Compliance Work Instruction, CVC-WI-002(2), which provides updated guidance for the QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero programs. These voluntary programs are designed to identify and acknowledge foreign-flagged vessels that demonstrate the highest commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.
This update introduces several key changes to the program's eligibility, renewal, and exit criteria. The main changes include:
- Updated Flag Administration Eligibility: To qualify for the program, Flag Administrations must now provide evidence that any Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) resulting from an IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) audit have been accepted by the audit team. The final audit report, accepted CAPs, and any comments on their implementation must be available for the Coast Guard's review upon request. Flag Administrations will remain eligible under the previous criteria for the July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 eligibility period. The Coast Guard will be looking for accepted CAPs and comments on their implementation beginning in 2027 for the July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028 eligibility period.
- Revised Exit Criteria: The criteria for removal from the program have been updated. Specifically, the guidance clarifies the process for vessels associated with a company under criminal investigation or prosecution by the Department of Justice or the U.S. Coast Guard. Ineligibility will now extend to all vessels within the parent company and its subsidiaries for the duration of the investigation and for four years following sentencing. The update also expands on "special circumstances" that could lead to removal, including associations with entities subject to U.S. sanctions.
- Removed Conditional Renewal Eligibility: The previous provision allowing a one-year conditional extension for vessels from a flag administration whose detention ratio slightly exceeded the 1.0% threshold has been removed. All vessels seeking renewal must now fully meet all initial eligibility requirements.
These changes reflect the Coast Guard's continuous effort to adapt to the evolving maritime industry and to ensure that the QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero programs continue to represent the gold standard for maritime operations.
The full guidance can be found in CVC-WI-002(2) on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance policy website.
Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Port State Control branch at portstatecontrol@uscg.mil.