USCG: Revised guidance on the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities for OREIs on the Outer Continental Shelf

The United States Coast Guard has revised its Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) concerning the roles and duties of the Coast Guard regarding Offshore Renewable Energy Installation on the Outer Continental Shelf.

The changed circular was published on 27 March 2024.

The Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) addresses impacts on marine transportation, navigation safety, and Coast Guard missions, aiming to streamline information sharing and clarify relationships with relevant agencies.

The NVIC is a resource for industry, stakeholders, and the public, and it outlines the roles of Coast Guard offices, commanders, and OREI developers.

Additionally, it includes recommendations for OREI leasing and development processes, as well as standards for Navigation Safety Risk Assessments (NSRA) and aids to navigation.

Updates to the NVIC incorporate technological advancements, clarify review processes, and provide detailed explanations of OREI planning and Coast Guard roles:

1. Expanded Enclosures: The NVIC now includes expanded enclosures to accommodate future updates, ensuring that the document remains current and relevant as industry technologies evolve. This flexibility allows for seamless incorporation of advancements in the field of offshore renewable energy.
2. New Work Instruction: A new NAVCEN work instruction has been added to provide clarity on how data analysis for the traffic survey portion of the Navigation Safety Risk Assessment (NSRA) will be reviewed. This addition enhances the understanding and execution of the assessment process.
3. New Enclosures (1 and 2): Two new enclosures have been introduced to provide detailed explanations. Enclosure (1) offers insight into the Department of Interior's OREI planning, leasing, and development process from the perspective of Coast Guard waterway managers. Enclosure (2) outlines internal Coast Guard roles, responsibilities, and assignment expectations throughout the OREI planning, leasing, and development process. These additions offer comprehensive guidance for stakeholders involved in OREI projects.
4. Combined Documents: NVIC 01-19 Enclosures (2) and (6) have been merged into a single document, Enclosure (3). This combined document now provides unified guidance for industry preparation and Coast Guard review of NSRA, streamlining the process for all involved parties.
5. Updated Marine Planning Guidelines: Enclosure (4), which outlines Coast Guard Marine Planning Guidelines, has been revised to incorporate updated guidance from the United Kingdom. This ensures alignment with international best practices and standards in marine planning.
6. Updates to Enclosure (5): Enclosure (5) has been updated to reflect recommendations regarding windfarm configurations and their potential impacts on navigation safety, the Marine Transportation System (MTS), and Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations. These updates ensure that stakeholders are informed about the latest considerations in offshore windfarm development.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Guidance on the Coast Guard’s Roles and Responsibilities for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)