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.

Nov. 26, 2025

CG-ENG Policy Letter 03-25: Extended Validity Period of USCG Certificates of Approval for Personal Flotation Devices

The U.S. Coast Guard recently published CG-ENG Policy Letter 03-25 regarding the period of validity for Certificates of Approval (COA) of recreational personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Dec. 13, 2024

Lifejacket Approval Harmonization; Final Rule

The Coast Guard amends the approval requirements and follow-up program requirements for lifejackets and personal flotation devices by incorporating new standards to replace existing legacy standards.

Feb. 1, 2024

Announcement: The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) approves first synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate (PFAS-free) to pass NFPA 11, Annex F Test Method

The Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) has approved the first synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate (PFAS-free) to pass the NFPA 11, Annex F Test Method. Hiller Systems has received USCG approval to use their “Hiller Haven Green” synthetic fluorine-free foam concentrate, also known as “Solberg Re-Healing 3x3% SP-100 AR-SFFF Alcohol Resistant Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam Concentrate” with their USCG Certificate of Approval (COA) 162.033/47. This COA can be viewed on CGMIX at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/Default.aspx.

March 24, 2023

Recap of the 9th session of the IMO sub-committee on ship systems and equipment

The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), held its 9th session February 27- March 3, 2023 in London, England. Ms. Brandi Baldwin, Chief of the Coast Guard’s Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards, led the U.S. delegation, comprised of members from the Coast Guard and technical advisors from government and private sectors.