The Coast Guard published a NVIC that provides guidance to the maritime industry and Coast Guard personnel describing how vessel owners and operators may comply with amendments to SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 3 and 20, that will enter into force on January 1, 2020.
Lifejacket Approval Harmonization Notice of Availability
The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is finalizing the policy harmonizing personal flotation device standards between the United States and Canada by accepting a new standard for approval of PFDs. As a result, PFD manufacturers can meet a single North American standard instead of separate standards for the United States and Canada.
Congressional hearing alert: Commercial and Passenger Vessel Safety: Challenges, Opportunities
Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Rear Adm. Richard Timme will testify before a Congressional Hearing focused on passenger vessel safety, Thursday, November 14th at 2 p.m.
Design guidance for commercial vessels using Lithium-Ion batteries for propulsion or electrical systems
The Office of Design and Engineering Standards issued Policy Letter No. 02-19 “Design Guidance for Lithium-Ion Battery Installations Onboard Commercial Vessels” to improve the plan approval process for commercial vessel propulsion or electrical systems powered by installed Lithium-ion batteries. The policy does not apply to the carriage of Li-ion batteries as cargo or portable devices with Li-ion batteries that are not permanently installed on the vessel.
NVIC: Guide to Marine Equipment Approvals Covered by a Mutual Recognition Agreement
The Mutual Recognition Agreements are parallel agreements the United States has with the European Union and with the European Free Trade Association countries that are part of the European Economic Area on the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Conformity for Marine Equipment.