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The Coast Guard published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, NVIC 02-16, which provides guidance to vessel owners, riggers, marine surveyors, other marine service providers, and Coast Guard marine inspectors regarding inspection of sail rigging, masts, and associated components for commercial sailing vessels and the use of preventative maintenance as a good marine practice.

It provides guidance for the purpose of assisting vessel owners and operators, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel with the inspection and recommended documentation of maintenance for sail rigging and masts on inspected sailing vessels. It is intended to enhance consistency with the Coast Guard inspection process for the commercial sailing fleet.

This new guidance applies to vessels subject to U.S. chart, or map and publication carriage requirements, as codified in Titles 33 and 46 CFR, and provides a voluntary alternative means to comply with those requirements.

View the Federal Register for more details.

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