The U.S. Coast Guard has published the revised Commercial Vessel Compliance Work Instruction, CVC-WI-021(3), which implements the Performance-Driven Certificate of Compliance (COC) Examination Schedule, a new framework that modernizes the examination process for foreign tank vessels. This initiative transitions the annual mid-period inspection from a rigid, time-based requirement to a flexible, data-driven model that rewards vessels with a strong history of safety and compliance.
While the comprehensive, on-board examination required every two years for COC renewal remains unchanged, this new schedule offers a different path for fulfilling the annual, mid-period requirement.
For vessel operators, the administration of this program requires no change to existing procedures. Companies will continue to submit annual Certificate of Compliance examination applications to the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) as they normally would. Upon receiving an application, the Coast Guard will automatically conduct a comprehensive review of the vessel’s performance history. This review will assess factors such as the vessel's U.S. and foreign compliance history, cargo-specific documentation, and the safety performance of its owner and operator. Vessels will be automatically disqualified if, in the last three years, they have been detained by the U.S. Coast Guard, had a violation issued against their owners or operators, or suffered a marine casualty that involved the safe operation of the vessel. Based on this internal assessment, the OCMI will either schedule a physical, on-board examination or, for high-performing vessels, issue a formal letter crediting the vessel with meeting its annual requirement. This letter must be maintained on board as proof of compliance.
This program applies exclusively to foreign tank vessels and does not change COC examination requirements for passenger vessels or Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs). The full guidance can be found in CVC-WI-021(3) on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance policy website.
Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance at portstatecontrol@uscg.mil.