Alternative compliance program ACP

ACP Program Overview The ACP is a voluntary alternate process for U.S. vessels to obtain a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) by complying w/ the standards of an authorized class society. Delegates certain statutory survey and certification functions for U.S. flagged vessels to certain Class Societies. Class issued statutory certificates on behalf of USCG Provides increased flexibility in the construction and operation of U.S. flag vessels, while maintaining equivalent levels of safety and environmental protection. Reduces regulatory burden through elimination of unnecessarily duplicative regs & inspections

Regulatory Framework The ACP relies on a regulatory framework that equates the United States’ Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) to a recognized classification society’s rules plus applicable international standards (such as SOLAS or MARPOL) plus a Supplement The Supplement captures the difference that exists between class rules and international standards and the CFR Each supplement is specific to each recognized class society because it is predicated upon a given class society’s rules. ACP CFR Conventions Int’l Supplement U.S. Class Rules

Participating Class Societies: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Lloyd’s Register (LR) Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Types of Vessels authorized for ACP Passenger vessels Cargo Vessels Tank Vessels Offshore Supply Vessels (OSV) High Speed Craft Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU)

Classification Society Roles Develop and maintain a current U.S. Supplement Coordinate “hand-over” surveys upon application for enrollment Provide access to records for vessels enrolled in ACP. Carry out surveys to assess compliance w/ class rules, U.S. Supplement and Int’l codes & conventions. Plan review Track vessel’s condition Initiate timely action to correct known deficiencies Make timely notifications to the USCG Issue/maintain International Convention Certificates Record USCG issued deficiencies as “Conditions of Class” as appropriate.

Int’l Certificates Issued by Class (as applicable): International Load Line International Tonnage Cargo Ship Safety Construction Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificates of Fitness MODU Safety Certificate ISM Document of Compliance ISM Safety Management IOPP IAPP

Required notifications to USCG: Drydock Clearing a USCG issued deficiency (CG-835) Following evidence of crime, unreported vessel damage, major non-conformities Extending of certificates *Note* Required ACP notifications in Europe, Africa and the Middle East should be referred to LT Chris Nichols at Activities Europe at acteurinspections@uscg.mil

USCG Roles and Responsibilities Verify vessels are designed, built, equipped, maintained, and operated IAW all applicable international and domestic requirements Maintain a Liaison w/ Class Societies Complete annual examinations (similar in scope to Port State Control) Periodically attend Drydock activities Review New Construction/Major Conversion plans to determine ACP effectiveness Conduct damage surveys & investigations following Marine Casualties Notify Class Society following USCG discovery of deficiencies. Deny and/or revoke certificates for non-compliance

Activities retained by the Coast Guard: Dry-dock extensions Enrollment into UWILD program Waivers/exemptions Changes of Employment Marine Casualty Investigations Alternate compliance with COLREGS Approvals of Safety Equipment, materials and installation ISSC CSR Excursion Permits Permits to Proceed Vessel Security Issues All manning issues Critical Area Inspection Plan (CAIP, a program used to track cracking on large oil tankers) Ballast Water Management

Points of Contact *Note* - for ACP related issues in Europe, Africa or the Middle East please contact LT Chris Nichols at Christopher.M.Nichols@uscg.mil or acteurinspections@uscg.mil

References ACP Homepage - http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/acp/ List of Authorized Class Societies Authorizations and Memos of Understanding Current copy of U.S. Supplements Links to Reference and Publications Navigation and Inspection Circular (NVIC) 2-95, “The Alternative Compliance Program” Contact information