Security Levels

National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) check current status

Authorized Class Societies in the Alternate Compliance Program:

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Authorizations

ABS has been authorized to issue the following IMO certificates:

Special Notes

1. The ABS "Guidance Notes for Building and Classing Ships Carrying Compressed Natural Gas" have not been accepted by the USCG [posted: March 28, 2003]

USCG-approved Supplements

The Coast Guard has approved U.S. Supplements to the following ABS Rules:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Certificated for International Voyages (2011) (Supplement dated May 3, 2011)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages (Supplement dated June 1, 2003)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated July 12, 2010)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated June 1, 2003)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages (Supplement dated November 1, 1999)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated March 29, 1999)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and the 1989 IMO MODU Code (Supplement dated November 1, 1998)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages (Supplement dated August 1, 1997)
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

Other references

Interim changes, additions and subtractions from U.S. Supplements
(Holding file)

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Steel Vessels for Vessels Certificated for Int'l Voyages (1 April 2009)

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Replace 6 Aug 2009 Section III, Annex VI Cite: 46 CFR 63.25-9 Incinerators
Each incinerator installed on or after March 26, 1998 must meet the requirements of IMO Resolution MEPC.76(40) or equivalent. A U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Approval is required for each incinerator.

Compliance with the following standards are considered to meet IMO Res. MEPC.76(40):
- ISO 13617; or
- ASTM F 1323 and Annexes A1-A3 of IMO Res. MEPC.76(40)
Add 5 Jan 2010 Section I Cite: Section 5C-1-7/11.11.2 Cargo Tank Venting/Protection for Tank Overpressurization/PV Valve Setting
The calculations submitted to show that the cargo tanks will not be subjected to a pressure or vacuum in excess of their design pressure must also show that the P/V valve setting will not be exceeded.

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Steel Vessels for Vessels Certificated for Int'l Voyages (1 June 2003)

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 14 Aug 2003 Section VI Cite: II-1/Reg 8 Damage Stability
For Passenger vessels not using Res. A.265(VIII) as an equivalent to Part B, the stability of passenger ships in the damaged condition shall comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 171.080 in association with subdivision requirements given in 46 CFR Part 171.
Add 25 Aug 2005 Section II.B Cite: II-2/9.2.3.1 Structural Fire Protection
Only Method IC shall be used.
Add 8 Dec 2006 Section I Cite: Section 4-8-2/11.5.3 Electrical Systems
A sound-powered telephone system or other reliable voice communication method must be installed that is independent of the vessel's electrical system (Ref: 46 CRF 113.30-3(b)).

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Steel Vessels Under 90 meters in Length Certificated for Int'l Voyages (1 June 2003)

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 14 Aug 2003 Section VI Cite: II-1/Reg 8 Damage Stability
For Passenger vessels not using Res. A.265(VIII) as an equivalent to Part B, the stability of passenger ships in the damaged condition shall comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 171.080 in association with subdivision requirements given in 46 CFR Part 171.
Add 25 Aug 2005 Section II.B Cite: II-2/9.2.3.1 Structural Fire Protection
Only Method IC shall be used.
Add 8 Dec 2006 Section I Cite: Section 4-6-2/15.5.3 Electrical Systems.
A sound-powered telephone system or other reliable voice communication method must be installed that is independent of the vessel's electrical system (Ref: 46 CFR 113.30-3(b)).

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and the 1989 IMO MODU Code (November 1, 1998)

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 28 Jul 2008 Section VI Cite: 46 CFR 56.60-25, Non-metallic materials
Pipes and piping components made of thermopasic or thermosetting plastic materials, with or without reinforcement, are to be USCG-approved.
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Last Modified 5/18/2011