USCG: Guidelines on construction and certification requirements for commercial fishing vessels

Eda Zenic -

The United States Coast Guard has issued policy letter CG-CVC 24-02 outlining guidelines for the construction, survey, and maintenance of certain commercial fishing vessels (CFIVs).

The document was published on 1 August 2024.

Purpose: This policy letter outlines the U.S. Coast Guard's stance on the construction, survey, and maintenance requirements for certain commercial fishing vessels (CFIVs). It provides guidance on how these requirements should be interpreted and applied, particularly for vessels built after February 8, 2016, and ranges in size from 50 to 180 feet.

Key Points:

Expiration: This policy letter is valid for two years unless otherwise updated or canceled.

Action Required:

  1. Coast Guard District Commanders, Sector Commanders, Officers in Charge of Marine Inspections, and Marine Industry stakeholders should use this guidance for decision-making related to CFIVs.
  2. The document is available for internet release.

Regulatory References:

  1. U.S. Code Title 46 § 4503
  2. Various DHS and Coast Guard instructions and guidelines

Background:

  1. Certain fishing vessels can meet alternative construction requirements rather than the standard CFV classing requirements.
  2. The build date is determined by the keel-laid date, which must be documented accurately.

Application of Requirements:

  1. Design and Construction: Vessels must be designed by a licensed naval architect or marine engineer and adhere to standards set by an authorized Classification Society or equivalent organization.
  2. Load Line Assignment: A valid load line certificate from a recognized authority is sufficient to meet some of the regulatory requirements.

Detailed Requirements:

  1. Design Standards: Vessel designs must follow standards equivalent to those of an authorized Classification Society.
  2. Construction Oversight: A marine surveyor from an accepted organization must oversee and certify that the vessel construction complies with the design.
  3. Post-Construction Surveys: Vessels must undergo condition surveys, out-of-water surveys, and stability condition checks after construction.

Third-Party Organizations:

  1. Similarly Qualified Organizations (SQOs): These are Classification Societies designated by the Coast Guard to oversee construction and certification.
  2. Accepted Organizations (AOs): Non-classification society entities accepted by the Coast Guard for design oversight and certification.

Stability Requirements:

  1. A qualified individual must conduct stability tests and provide detailed stability and loading instructions.
  2. Stability instructions should address various operational conditions and include considerations for factors like deck cargo and free surface effects.

Loading Marks:

  1. Vessels must have loading marks indicating the maximum allowable draft in fully loaded conditions.

Substantial Alterations:

  1. Any significant alterations affecting vessel stability must be reviewed and approved by a licensed naval architect or marine engineer before proceeding.

Condition Surveys:

  1. Vessels must undergo condition surveys at least twice every five years, with no more than three years between surveys.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Organizations seeking designation as an SQO or AO must submit requests to the Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, Fishing Vessel Safety Division. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be rejected.