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. 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.

Feb. 5, 2026

Guidance for Inspected Vessels Supporting Disaster Relief Operations

The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CVC) has published CG CVC-WI-034(1), Requests for Inspected Vessels to Participate in Disaster Relief Operations. This Work Instruction (WI) provides guidance on permitting vessels to operate beyond the scope of their Certificate of Inspection when supporting disaster relief operations.

Nov. 18, 2025

Dissolution of the Ship Structure Committee

On July 15, 2025, the decision was made in a Special Session meeting that the Ship Structure Committee (SSC) would be dissolved.

May 18, 2024

Updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Coast Guard and the National Cargo Bureau

The U.S. Coast Guard recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) that reaffirmed their longstanding relationship focused on the safety of hazardous material shipments through ports and at sea.