The Coast Guard has published Change 1 to Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 02-21 to provide updated guidance on the requirement for wearing masks on commercial vessels in Executive Order (13998) issued by the President on January 21, 2021.
Marine Safety Alert: Blocked freeing ports can trap seawater on deck reducing your vessel’s stability
The Inspections and Compliance Directorate issued Marine Safety Alert 03-21 to address potentially dangerous situation involving the closure of freeing ports on commercial fishing vessels.
Marine Safety Alert: Readiness and testing of emergency dewatering equipment
The Inspections and Compliance Directorate issued Marine Safety Alert 02-21 to address an increasing failure rate amongst the inspected towing vessel fleet with regards to fixed and portable emergency dewatering equipment failing to operate as designed.
Marine Safety Alert: SEE-ME PFD light failures due to battery issues
The Inspections and Compliance Directorate issued Marine Safety Alert 01-21 to address issues with non-compliant SEE-ME 1.0 LED PFD lights.
MSIB: COVID-19 Crew Change Issues
The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance has issued MSIB 04-21 “COVID-19 Crew Change Issues” to provide guidance for U.S. mariners who may be experiencing crew change issues abroad and for foreign mariners who may be experiencing crew change issues while in the U.S.
U.S. Coast Guard announces new law requiring use of engine cut-off switches
Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.
U.S. Supplement to International Conventions and Classification Society Rules for Ships Enrolled in the Alternate Compliance Program
On March 11, 2021, the Coast Guard in consultation with the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) authorized Recognized Organizations (RO), released a single U.S. Supplement for vessels enrolling in the ACP. The single U.S. Supplement meets the intent set out in the Commandant’s Final Action Memorandum following the tragic loss of the EL FARO and the requirements contained in the Save Our Seas Act of 2018.
Coast Guard R&D releases studies examining daytime distress signals and enhanced person-in-the water detection
The Coast Guard has publicly released two studies completed by the Coast Guard’s Research & Development Center as related to Enhanced Person in the Water (ePIW) Detection location devices and daytime distress signal devices.
Federal Register Notice: Great Lakes Pilotage Rates-2021 Annual Review and Revisions to Methodology
The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register the establishment of new base pilotage rates for the 2021 shipping season. This final rule will adjust the pilotage rates to account for changes in district operating expenses, an increase in the number of pilots, and anticipated inflation.
