In this post, we mark the anniversary of the Coast Guard’s marine inspection program, which was the result of the Congressional Act of 1838.
Oct. 1, 1838: First law in the U.S. to regulate steamboats takes effect
Marine Safety Alert: Inspectors discover unwearable PFDs
This safety alert concerns Cal-June Jim-Buoy PFDs, Model #601 or #603. During several inspections involving different vessels, Coast Guard personnel discovered a significant number of Type I PFDs that were not wearable if needed during an emergency.
MSIB: Passenger vessel compliance and operational readiness
On September 2, 2019, the small passenger vessel Conception caught fire and sank off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, California with loss of life. This bulletin identifies regulations related to firefighting, lifesaving, preparations for emergencies, and means of escape that serve as a reminder for owner and operators to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew while onboard.
Eighth District MSIB: Lifeboat operations on manned facilities
The Eighth District Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection of the Outer Continental Shelf is alerting offshore operators about a tragic accident with loss of life that occurred on a floating offshore facility. Because the potential factors involved in this incident may be common to many facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, the Coast Guard is sharing immediate actions facilities can take to avoid a similar tragedy.
Coast Guard ends year-long concentrated inspection campaign for open lifeboats
The Coast Guard recently concluded a year-long concentrated inspection campaign focused on open lifeboats throughout the U.S. commercial fleet. This campaign was directed in the final action memo on the 2015 sinking of the S.S. El Faro.
New Policy Letter: Equivalency Determination – Fire pumps for Subchapter C and Subchapter M towing vessels
This policy letter provides guidance on the use of fixed fire pumps in lieu of portable fire pumps on vessels 65 feet or less.
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5/13/2019: Fire Protection for Recreational Vessels
The Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the rules for recreational vessels by moving fire extinguishing equipment standards for recreational vessels from the uninspected vessel subchapter, which includes requirements for both recreational and commercial vessels, to the subchapter applicable only to recreational vessels.
5/3/2019: Stay “face up” – Try on your lifejacket in a controlled water environment to ensure proper fit
The Coast Guard recommends everyone try on their lifejacket in a controlled water environment to ensure proper fit and performance on their body. All Coast Guard approved lifejackets meet industry standards and Coast Guard requirements for construction, performance, and manufacturing. However, the only way to ensure proper fit and performance on an individual is to try it on in the water.
