May 19, 2026

2025 Port State Control Annual Report Posted

The Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance has released the 2025 U.S. Port State Control Annual Report, highlighting key statistics and compliance trends regarding international maritime regulations. The report notes that while 8,999 safety exams were conducted, the annual detention rate decreased to 0.85 percent, with fewer detentions related to fire safety and lifesaving systems. This publication serves as a critical resource for the global maritime industry to monitor safety performance and the effectiveness of recognized organizations.

May 4, 2026

Coast Guard Announces Updates to QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero Program Guidance

The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) announces the publication of a revised Work Instruction, CVC-WI-002(2), updating the guidance and eligibility criteria for the Quality Shipping for the 21st Century (QUALSHIP 21) and E-Zero programs. These updates are intended to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of the programs, which recognize and reward high-quality, foreign-flagged vessels operating in U.S. waters.

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.

April 10, 2025

Coast Guard Policy Change for Foreign Flagged Vessels Transiting in the Great Lakes Region

The U.S. Coast Guard is making a policy change that will allow the issuance of Captain of the Port (COTP) orders to direct vessel movements (e.g., to anchor, delay transit) in order to conduct law enforcement boardings of Canadian-bound, foreign-flagged (non-Canadian) vessels in the Great Lakes region.

Feb. 20, 2025

Use of Unauthorized Chemicals for Ballast Water Management Systems

The Coast Guard has been made aware of instances of the use of unauthorized chemical products in Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS).