Coast Guard clarifies user fees associated with Performance-Driven Certificate of Compliance Examinations for Foreign Tank Vessels.

On May 14, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard published the revised CVC Work Instruction, CVC-WI-021(3), which implements the Performance-Driven Certificate of Compliance (COC) Examination Schedule, a new framework that modernizes the examination program 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.

The Coast Guard clarifies that the user fee schedule outlined in 46 CFR § 2.10 remains in effect for vessels credited with an annual examination via formal letter under the Performance-Driven Certificate of Compliance examination schedule. User fees remain necessary to account for the in-depth administrative workload, compliance screenings, and formal package approval required to credit an examination, delivering significant value to operators by eliminating costly port delays and time off-charter.

Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance at portstatecontrol@uscg.mil.