USCG grants DNV GL authorization under ACP for oceanographic research vessels

The addition of Subchapter U for oceanographic vessels expands the classification society’s USCG delegated authority for US flagged vessels.

DNV GL announced it has received approval from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to carry out survey and certification services for oceanographic research vessels certificated under Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subchapter U. This addendum is an addition to the current 2016 US Supplement to the Annex of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DNV GL and the USCG, governing DNV GL’s participation in the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) and the delegation of certain survey and certification services for U.S. flagged vessels.

The USCG’s ACP is intended to reduce the regulatory burden on the maritime industry while maintaining existing levels of safety and providing increased flexibility in the construction and operation of U.S. flag vessels. Instead of full compliance with CFRs, the ACP consists of class rules, International Conventions, and an approved U.S. Supplement that together form an alternative that is equivalent to the CFR.

DNV GL has operated in the U.S. for 123 years, since 1898, and has been authorized to issue statutory certificates to US flag ships on behalf of the Coast Guard since the early 1990s. In addition to the U.S. flagged oceanographic research vessels, DNV GL’s authorizations from the USCG under the ACP include that for tanker vessels, passenger vessels, cargo and misc. vessels, and offshore supply vessels.

In addition to the authorization of Subchapter U for Oceanographic Research Vessels and an updated Recognized Organization Agreement, DNV GL is working closely with the USCG in the development of a Single U.S. Supplement to simplify the ACP regulatory regime.