Nov. 19, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard’s 10th Annual Recognized Organization Summit

On 18 September 2025, the Coast Guard and its recognized organizations advanced data integrity, performance measurement, and emerging-technology oversight to support the Nation’s broader effort to restore American maritime strength.

Nov. 18, 2025

Federal Register Notice: Request for Information on Multi-Service Vessels and Vessels of Opportunity

The U.S. Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is seeking input from the public to better understand the operations of multi-service vessels (MSVs), specifically regarding the use of vessels of opportunity (VOOs).  Public feedback will help to assess the current state of MSVs and VOOs in support of the marine transportation system and oil spill response activities. 

Oct. 29, 2025

Commercial Vessel Safety During Lapse in Coast Guard Appropriations

This post outlines the Coast Guard's guidance on commercial vessel safety during a lapse in appropriations, addressing Certificates of Financial Responsibility, Certificates of Documentation, and Merchant Mariner Credentials. It details which operations will continue and which will be limited, and provides specific instructions for vessel owners, operators, and mariners.

Aug. 5, 2025

Watch Monitoring Devices on Small Passenger Vessels, Interim Rule Clarification

On December 27, 2021, the Coast Guard published an interim final rule: Fire Safety of Small Passenger Vessels, Interim Rule, Federal Register 73160, December 27, 2021 (link).  This interim final rule applies to covered small passenger vessels (CPSVs) with overnight accommodations for passengers and includes requirements for the installation and arrangement of watch monitoring devices.

Aug. 4, 2025

Cancellation of Marine Safety Center Technical Note (MTN) 01-94: Acceptance Criteria for Pressure Vessels on Reflagged Vessels

MTN 01-94, Acceptance Criteria for Pressure Vessels on Reflagged Vessels, issued February 28, 1994, has been determined to be obsolete and has been canceled by the Marine Safety Center (MSC).