Aug. 22, 2026

Update to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 7-68, Notes on Inspection and Repair of Steel Hulls

The Coast Guard has published an update to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 7-68, Notes on Inspection and Repair of Steel Hulls.

Aug. 21, 2026

Request for Comments: Draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-99 Change 1 – Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP)

On 24 August 2026, the Coast Guard is scheduled to announce the availability of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-99, Change 1, "Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program," in the Federal Register 2026-17216 under Docket No. USCG-2026-0041. This proposed update modernizes the program's guidance to reflect industry-wide advancements in digital recordkeeping, maintenance management systems, and third-party auditing, while shifting toward a risk-based verification model. Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the draft circular within 30 days of the publication date.

Aug. 6, 2026

Update to CG CVC-WI-032(2) U.S. Flagged Vessels Inspected Under Multiple Subchapters (“Multi-Service”)

The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has published updated guidance in CVC-WI-032(2) U.S. Flagged Vessels Inspected Under Multiple Subchapters (“Multi-Service”).

June 5, 2026

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy (CG-5P) Publishes Guidance on Oversight of Unmanned, Autonomous and Remote-Control Operations

The Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy has published a new Work Instruction titled, Oversight of Unmanned, Autonomous, and Remote-Control Operations.

June 1, 2026

Update to CG CVC-WI-013(8) Towing Vessel Inspections Under TSMS Option and Creation of CVC-WI-038(1) Subchapter M Third-Party Organization (TPO) Guidance

The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has published updated guidance in CVC-WI-013(8) Towing Vessel Inspections Under TSMS Option and CVC-WI-038(1) Subchapter M Third-Party Organization (TPO) Guidance.