Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP)

Applicant Information:

2010 Application and Application Revision Rationale

Application Instructions    

Quarterly Reporting Form

Table 5.4 Sample Volume Calculator (2011)

Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 01-04 (NVIC 01-04) establishes the process and gives additional information for vessel owners to apply to STEP.  The application format is intended to assist applicants to prepare and submit all necessary information in a clear and consistent manner, thus facilitating the review process.  Potential applicants should familiarize themselves with the contents of this guidance before completing the application.  There is no charge for applying to or being enrolled in STEP.

Additional helpful references are linked here:

Vessels Enrolled In STEP

Links include vessel record in Coast Guard database, owner company website, and technology provider’s commercial website. 

The docket numbers provide links to the Environmental Assessments prepared to evaluate the applicants.  This includes a review of the vessel operations, regular ports of call, treatment system type and impacts on the affected environments.  The docket also includes public comments about Ballast Water Management and the specific application details.

Background:

The Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) is intended to facilitate the development of effective ballast water management system technologies, to create more options for vessel owners seeking alternatives to ballast water exchange. STEP participation is available to all foreign and domestic vessels subject to the Coast Guard’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) regulations in   33 CFR 151 subparts C and D. 

Technology developers and vessel owners have expressed the need for incentives that will encourage the development of prototype treatment systems and shipboard testing.  However, vessel owners have expressed a reluctance to invest the resources to install and operate an experimental treatment system that might not meet discharge standards mandated by future regulations.  To address this concern, vessels accepted into this voluntary, no-cost program may be granted an equivalency to future ballast water discharge standard regulations, for up to the life of the vessel or the system, while their BWM system operates satisfactorily. 

Contact the STEP Manager: 

E-mail:  environmental_standards@uscg.mil

COMMANDANT (CG-OES-3)                            

ATTN STEP MANAGER  

US COAST GUARD  

2100 2ND ST SW STOP 7126  

WASHINGTON DC 20593-7126