U.S. Flag Vessels Branch

Responsible for conducting inspections and examinations on all U.S. flagged passenger, tank and freight vessels within Sector Miami's AOR to ensure they are in compliance with the applicable United States Laws and regulations. U.S. Flag Vessels Branch manages both the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) and Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP).

U.S. Flag Vessels provides information to U.S. Flag Operators on the following:

• PLAN REVIEW
• MARPOL
• LOAD LINE
• BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT
• CHARTER VESSELS
• PASSENGER VESSELS
• ISM - International Safety Management Code
• ISPS - International Ship & Port Facility Security Code
• MTSA - Maritime Transportation Security Act 2002
• STCW - Standards of Training Certification, and watch keeping for Seafarers

Inspections for Certification (COI) must be conducted within 90 days prior to the expiration date of the current COI. Inspections for certification require a 30 day written notification which should be submitted to the office conducting the inspection. Requests should be submitted on an Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel (CG-3752).

Annual and Periodic inspections must be conducted within 90 days before or after each anniversary date. These inspections do not require written application and may be made by speaking with a vessel inspector.

Resources

Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel (CG-3752)

Marine Employers Drug Testing Guide

Regional Examination Center - Licensing Information

Towing Vessel Bridging Program
A Towing Vessel Bridging Program (TVBP) has been initiated by the Office of Vessel Activities (CG-5431) to ease the transition and ensure that both the Coast Guard and the towing vessel industry are informed and prepared to meet the new requirements to be finalized in Subchapter M.

USCG 840 Inspection Books
These Inspection Books are used by Marine Inspectors during the course of their inspections. Vessel operators are encouraged to use them in preparation for applicable Coast Guard inspections.
        NOTE: These are not a substitute for, nor do they in any way, alter regulatory requirements.
                  These are to be used as reference aid only.

Detailed and up-to-date information is located at our HomePort website under the "Domestic Vessel Inspection" section:
        http://homeport.uscg.mil/miami

Required Reading

• Diving Vessel MSIB 11-009 (Marine Safety Information Bulletin)
• Mandatory requirements for reportable marine casualties MSIB 10-016

Back to Inspections Division

		U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami 100 MacArthur Causeway Miami, Florida 33139	Voice:(305) 535-8736 Fax: (305) 535-8740     or (305) 535-8742