May 20, 2026

Coast Guard Announces Performance-Driven Certificate of Compliance Examination Schedule for Foreign Tank Vessels

The U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has implemented the "Performance-Driven Certificate of Compliance (COC) Examination Schedule" for foreign tank vessels. Authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, this program modernizes the annual COC examination cycle. For high-performing vessels, a comprehensive performance review by the Coast Guard will now satisfy the annual examination requirement in lieu of a physical, on-board inspection.

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 14, 2026

National Recreational Boating Safety Survey

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is launching the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which will provide detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they go boating. The survey is funded under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the USCG.

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.

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).