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.
Source: USCG
Link: U.S. Coast Guard announces new law requiring use of engine cut-off switches
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.
Source: USCG
Link: U.S. Supplement to International Conventions and Classification Society Rules for Ships Enrolled in the Alternate Compliance Program
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.
Source: USCG
Link: Coast Guard R&D releases studies examining daytime distress signals and enhanced person-in-the water detection
The Outer Continental Shelf National Center of Expertise has published “Drill Down” issue 16 to highlight Offshore Wind Support Vessels.
Source: USCG
Link: ‘Drill Down” Issue 16 – Offshore Wind Support Vessels
The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance has updated the Vessel Cyber Risk Management Work Instruction. The Work Instruction was updated to include a compliance timeline for Non Safety Management System vessels that are subject to the Marine Transportation Safety Act of 2002.
Source: USCG
Link: Update to the Vessel Cyber Risk Management Work Instruction
The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 40th U.S. Coast Guard BWMS Type Approval Certificate to Kurita Water Industries, Ltd. after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.
Source: USCG
Link: Marine Safety Center issues Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
The Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 03-21 “Continued Awareness – Active Exploitation of SolarWinds Software”.
Source: USCG
Link: MSIB: Continued Awareness – Active Exploitation of SolarWinds Software
The Coast Guard’s Office of Operating and Environmental Standards has published a revised 2021 Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) Application Package.
Source: USCG
Link: Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program – Revised Application for Ballast Water Management Systems
The U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) COVID-19 Working Group (C-19 WG) is hosting a working group webinar on COVID-19 vaccines for the marine transportation system workforce.
Source: USCG
Link: Committee on Marine Transportation System hosting webinar on COVID-19 vaccines for the marine transportation system workforce
The Coast Guard’s Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise (CSNCOE) published its winter edition, with a new name and look. The newsletter serves to provide useful information on the national and international policies as well as highlight success stories, best practices and achievements in the field.
Source: USCG
Link: USCG Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise Newsletter – Winter Issue