The Coast Guard seeks comments on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for Direct User Fees for Inspection or Examination of U.S. and Foreign Commercial Vessels without change. Comments must be received by Sept. 6, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 8/7/2017: Collection of Information under review by Office of Management and Budget – direct user fees

The information requirements are necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the program on safety of commercial vessels as it affects small passenger vessels. The requirements affect small passenger vessels (under 100 gross tons) that carry more than 6 passengers. Comments must be received by Oct. 6, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 8/7/2017: Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget – Small passenger vessels

This post provides information on the witness testimony schedule and options for remote public viewing of the fishing vessel Destination marine board of investigation (MBI). The hearing session will focus on weather and human factors as well as the mechanical state and stability of the vessel before and during its final voyage.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 8/4/2017: Witness schedule for F/V Destination marine board of investigation set

Recent inquiries by Coast Guard marine inspectors indicate that a large number of vessel operators and ship masters continue to rely on outdated high seas communications frequencies when communicating with the Coast Guard. This Safety Alert reminds all mariners of the appropriate use of Single Side Band High Frequency (SSB-HF) radios when attempting to contact the Coast Guard outside the normal range of Very High Frequency-Frequency Modulation (VHF-FM) marine radios.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 8/3/2017: Marine Safety Alert 08-17 – Knowing your high seas comms equipment may save your life

The collection of information requires the owner, operator, agent, or master of a vessel to apply in writing to the Coast Guard before the commencement of an inspection for certification, when a waiver is desired from the requirements of navigation and vessel inspection, or to request a Continuous Synopsis Record. Comments must be received by Oct. 2, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 8/3/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Application for vessel inspection, waiver, and continuous synopsis record

The Coast Guard seeks comments from vessel operators on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for Oil and Hazardous Materials Transfer Procedures without change. Comments must be received by Oct. 2, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 8/3/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Oil and hazardous materials transfers

This new agreement signed July 20, 2017, outlines specific operating standards for organizations such as NCB including record keeping, quality management systems, training and qualification of personnel, liability, and governmental oversight of activities.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 8/1/2017: Coast Guard and National Cargo Bureau sign Memorandum of Agreement

The Memorandum of Agreement is for inspections and tests performed on U.S. flagged vessels by ICGB on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 7/31/2017: Coast Guard and International Cargo Gear Bureau sign Memorandum of Agreement

The Coast Guard seeks comments on an extension of its approval for the collection of information for Carriage of Bulk Solids Requiring Special Handling without change. Comments must be received by Aug. 28, 2017.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 7/28/2017: Information collection request to Office of Management and Budget – Carriage of bulk solids

Each year, the Coast Guard, in partnership with the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Mystic Aquarium and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of American States (OAS-CIP), sponsors a student art program contest with themes that relate to the marine environment. Check out the winners of the contest!
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 7/28/2017: “Connecting Ships, Ports, and People” student art program contest winners