Overview:

“The vessel is due for a USCG initial or renewal inspection this time!”

This can be an intimidating sentence for many seafarers. Well, it does not have to be. Spend a few minutes on this website and I promise you will start feeling confident.

If the USCG COC is expired (Usually 2 years validity with annual inspection requirement), or if never done, the vessel has to undergo a USCG inspection prior commencing any operation in US waters. If the vessel has a valid USCG COC she can be allowed to enter and discharge in US waters without any boarding of USCG even if annuals are due. Up to 3 months after annual inspection date same can be allowed. If after 3 months, agents need to arrange for the USCG boarding before any cargo operations commence.

If visiting the US for the first time or if COC is expired, USCG boarding is compulsory. Same needs to be informed to the agent who will then coordinate with the USCG for such boarding on arrival. In such cases, the vessel must submit ENOA well in advance of the minimum 96 hours period.

For ships calling for STS boarding is by helicopter offshore at the STS location.

The USCG Job-Aid Version 2016

I would like to assure you that the checks described in this section are fairly comprehensive as per latest USCG guidelines. Read through and you should be prepared for any USCG inspection which comes your way.

They apply to all ships, though there are certain sections and checks which are applicable to specific types only, such as tankers or passenger ships. These inspections are guided by the publication “USCG Job Aid”, which gives the scope of the inspection. The general impression of the Ship’s compliment determines to a large extent the depth of the inspection. It states: “It is not, however, the Coast Guard’s intention to “inspect” all items listed. As a port state responsibility, port state control officers must verify that the vessels and their crews are in substantial compliance with international conventions and applicable US laws. The depth and scope of the examination must be determined by the port state control officers based on their observations.”

Documents Issued

The following documents will be issued by the boarding officer at the end of the inspection

• Form A – Overview of the inspection
• Form B – The list of findings (if any)
• USCG Certificate of Compliance

Precautions

It is extremely important to note that USCG officials will not carry out their inspections if they have any reason to believe that there is a threat to health (especially gases in entering spaces like pumprooms/lifeboats, etc). Ensure the following as part of the preparation before the USCG officials come on board.

• Ensure Pumproom fans are running and Fixed Gas sampling system is on.
• Ensure all Gas meters are charged
• Ensure walkie-talkies and communication systems are charged.
• Ensure all spaces well ventilated (eg. Battery room, Emergency gen room, Paint locker, etc.)
• Confirm mechanical vent fans are operational.
• Pumproom has EEBD, which is inspected regularly. Keep spare EEBDs if necessary prior entry.
• Ensure Pumproom hoist is ready and equipped with a stretcher/harness.
• Checklists filled and all procedures are clear to all personnel who will accompany the officer.
• Note that USCG officers are guided to carry their own EEBDs in the pump room.
• Ensure the Gangway ISPS checks are carried out when they board; all entries made diligently.
• Crew members must be briefed not to speak casually or joke around with a PSCO in any event.
• Ensure all crew members are well trained for Fire drill/ Abandon ship drills (detailed below)

USCG Checks

For a detailed list of Checks carried out by the USCG, Proceed to our website:

The Maritime Skill Enhancer/USCG

Various types of deficiencies in a USCG inspection

In case of a deficiency, depending on the case the PSCO has the authority to stop cargo/lightering operations and allow operations to resume only after the deficiency is rectified. In certain cases, civil penalties may be imposed on the vessel.

1. Requiring Corrective Measures Prior to Entry

Deficiencies discovered prior to a vessel’s entry into port present such a grave risk to the port or the environment that the OCMI/COTP may wish to prevent the vessel from entering port until the deficiencies are corrected.  Examples as below.

Examples of deficiencies which must be corrected prior entry into port include the following:

• Leaking tanks.
• Carrying dangerous cargoes with expired documents.
• Carrying incompatible cargoes.
• Invalid ISM certificates.
• COFR not on board

2. Requires Corrective Measures Prior to Departure: Detention

Deficiencies render a vessel unfit to proceed to sea or an unreasonable risk to the environment when the vessel is within  U.S. waters (12NM). Examples as below.

• Excessive wastage, corrosion, pitting, holes, or damage to the hull, cargo hatches, fire main, or another vital system.
• Inoperable emergency fire pump or emergency generator.
• Inability to lower lifeboats.
• Inoperable lifeboat motors (i.e., will not start).
• Crew incompetent to carry out duties (e.g., fire or boat drills, cargo transfer, stability calculations, etc.).
• Licenses invalid.
• Safe Manning Document not on board.

3. Requires Corrective Measures Prior to Cargo, Bunkering or Lightering Operations

Deficiencies are violations of U.S. laws or regulations and adversely affect the safety of cargo operations, but do not make the vessel unfit to proceed to sea. Examples as below.

• Oil transfer procedures incomplete.
• Information on properties and hazards of cargoes not on board.
• High and low-level alarms inoperative

4. Requires Corrective Measures Prior to Return to U.S. Waters

Deficiencies are violations of U.S. laws or regulations or international conventions and pose no immediate threat to the environment or adversely affect the vessel’s seaworthiness. Examples as below.

• Charts or nautical publications not currently corrected.
• Portable hoses have not been tested but appear in good condition.
• The actual location of safety equipment deviates from the vessel safety plan.
• Electrical fixtures in paint locker not appropriately certified for safe usage in a hazardous (Operational controls, such as disconnecting the electrical power source or removing flammables from the space, may satisfactorily remove the risk to the vessel.)

Ship categories

Depending on the condition of the ship, ships are categorized. For details, visit:

The Maritime Skill Enhancer/USCG

Fire/Abandon ship drills

How the USCG drill is evaluated

A boat and Fire drill is almost always part of the USCG COC renewal inspection, and at times also the annuals. This is perhaps the most important part of the inspection. The USCG officers will observe certain parameters, along with the practical approach to a drill.

For a detailed guide on how to prepare for a USCG drill, visit  our website:

The Maritime Skill Enhancer/USCG

Practical Experience during a USCG drill

The following website will also guide you into a practical experience of a USCG Inspection, guiding you how it is carried out.

The Maritime Skill Enhancer/USCG