The United States Coast Guard and DNV GL signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) authorizing DNV GL to participate in the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) and delegated certain survey and certification services for U.S. flagged vessels.
“With the signing of this memorandum, DNV GL is undertaking a significant level of responsibility and work on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy.
The classification society ACP authorization is intended to reduce the regulatory burden on the maritime industry while maintaining existing levels of safety and provide the maritime industry with flexibility in determining how to build and operate U.S.-flagged vessels.
The ACP is an alternative to complying with vessel certification and inspection standards contained in Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, and administered through inspections conducted by Coast Guard personnel.
It provides an alternate process for an owner of a U.S. registered vessel to obtain a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection by complying with the standards of an authorized classification society, International Conventions and a U.S. supplement.
This MOA and delegation supersedes the agreements previously executed by DNV and the Coast Guard on Aug. 4, 2006, and GL and the Coast Guard on Sept. 7, 2011.