Aug. 10, 2026

Expanding the Options for Vital Systems Piping

The Marine Safety Center (MSC) has expanded the range of material standards that can be used for vital systems piping.

Aug. 6, 2026

Adoption of the International Code for the Safety of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

The United States has been a leader in discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on autonomy since 2018 when the IMO’s Maritime Safety (MSC), Legal (LEG), and Facilitation (FAL) Committees each began regulatory scoping exercises (RSE) to determine how to address the safe, secure and environmentally sound operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) within the IMO instruments under their purview.

Feb. 12, 2026

Reduction of Plan Review Requirements for Control Systems on Small Passenger Vessels

The Coast Guard will no longer require plan review for certain microprocessor-based control systems on small passenger vessels.

Jan. 8, 2026

Modernized Lighting Standards on Small Passenger Vessels

The Marine Safety Center has expanded the range of lighting standards that will be accepted on small passenger vessels.

Jan. 2, 2026

Policy Letter: Acceptance of Aluminum Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets on Weather Decks of Inspected Towing Vessels

The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) has issued Policy Letter 05-25, Acceptance of Aluminum Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets on Weather Decks Of Inspected Towing Vessels.