Feb. 15, 2024

Notice of public meeting: IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment

The Department of State will conduct a public meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2023, by way of teleconference. The primary purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the 10th session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Subcommittee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 10) to be held at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom from Monday, March 4 to Friday, March 8, 2024.

Jan. 2, 2024

Update to MSIB 13-23 — Coast Guard Policies to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Vessels

The Coast Guard has published an update to MSIB 13-23 — Coast Guard Policies to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Vessels. This update includes information on frequently asked questions from the public regarding changes to Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) to enhance vessel safety and address sexual assault and sexual harassment. In November of 2023, the Coast Guard released four policy documents to provide compliance guidance.

Dec. 28, 2023

Federal Register Notice: User Fees for Inspected Towing Vessels

The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that we are updating the user fees for seagoing towing vessels that are 300 gross tons or more and revising user fees for other inspected towing vessels.

Nov. 21, 2023

Federal Register Notice: 2022 Liquid Chemical Categorization Updates

The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is aligning liquid chemical categorization tables in its tank vessels and bulk dangerous cargo regulations with the 2020 Edition of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and the International Maritime Organization’s 2019 Marine Environment Protection Committee’s Circular 25.

Nov. 15, 2023

New Policies Related to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response on Commercial Vessels

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 introduced important updates to various laws within Title 46 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) to enhance crew safety and address sexual assault and sexual harassment. Key changes include mandated surveillance systems, crew training, reporting procedures, and master key controls on select vessels.