The USCG has streamlined the process for foreign ships to be certificated under the American Registry without compromising safety. By doing so, the USCG has consolidated the reflag process under a single program based on international standards. Benefits include:
- Reducing pre-inspection plan review and national equivalency process,
- Avoiding schedule delays & minimizing modification costs for closing regulatory gaps,
- Expediting the RRF recapitalization with foreign-built vessels, and
- Providing more job opportunities for American mariners to grow the workforce.
This effort supports executive actions as well as the national policy for the U.S. Merchant Marine to carry waterborne commerce at all times and to serve as a naval auxiliary during national contingencies. To assist vessel owners and operators, the USCG is announcing the availability of Change-2 to Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-13, Inspection and Certification of Vessels under the Maritime Security Program (MSP).
Under this streamlined reflagging program, the USCG has clarified the enrollment process, streamlined plan review, and further explained the eligibility for foreign-built vessels to be inspected and certificated in accordance with NVIC 01-13. Specifically, this update acknowledges that while some commercial vessels may receive a payment as part of their MSP enrollment, it is not a precondition for certification.
Accordingly, other foreign-built vessels may enroll in voluntary sealift support programs established by MARAD and utilize this guidance to obtain a Certificate of Inspection provided they meet the enrollment criteria as specified by MARAD. This includes vessels reflagging as part of the Ready Reserve Force recapitalization. In the revised guidance, all vessels will be generally referred to as “MSP vessels” regardless of the sealift support program for which MARAD has determined that the vessel is eligible.
