Search Results for agency_names:"Coast Guard"

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to update its regulations for the National Vessel Documentation Center to better handle electronic submissions and align with reporting timelines. This rule allows vessel owners to submit documentation electronically, eliminating the need to send in original documents like the Builder's Certificate or existing Certificates of Documentation (CODs). It also extends the time for vessel owners to report changes to their COD information from 10 to 30 days. These changes simplify the filing process and reduce the need for paper submissions, making it easier and more efficient for both vessel owners and the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard is announcing that starting April 2, 2025, it will impose specific entry conditions on vessels arriving in the United States from Cuba, due to Cuba's lack of effective anti-terrorism measures. This decision is supported by U.S. laws and the designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The aim is to protect the U.S. from potential threats posed by vessels coming from countries with inadequate security measures. The list of countries deemed to have deficient anti-terrorism measures includes several others, such as Iran, Syria, and Venezuela.

The Coast Guard is making a correction to an earlier notice that asked for public comments on using Safety Management Systems to enhance safety on U.S.-flagged passenger vessels. This correction involves fixing a mistake in the January 15, 2021, notice where there was a wrong reference in a list of questions meant for the public. Specifically, they have changed a reference from “question 4” to “question 6” in one of the questions. The corrected question now asks about comparing the costs and benefits of expanding existing regulations versus requiring Safety Management Systems for all passenger vessels.

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting an extension of approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for collecting crewmember identification documents information. This request is part of an Information Collection Request (ICR) process mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Coast Guard seeks public comments on the necessity and effectiveness of this information collection, which is designed to validate the identities of crewmembers on vessels visiting U.S. ports. Comments can be submitted until January 8, 2025, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, with specifics detailed in the notice.

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) related to the Alternate Compliance Program, a voluntary program for assessing certain vessels. This request is part of a routine process to renew OMB's approval for collecting specific information, which helps the Coast Guard perform its duties more efficiently. People can submit comments online until January 8, 2025, and they are encouraged to share thoughts on the necessity, accuracy, and practicality of the information collected. The Coast Guard values input on how to make the process less burdensome while maintaining its effectiveness.

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comments on an Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning the Credentialing and Manning Requirements for Officers of Towing Vessels, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This request, which is identified with the OMB Control Number 1625-0078, is forwarding to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. Interested parties can submit their comments by January 13, 2025, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of these credentials in ensuring that only qualified individuals operate towing vessels on U.S. navigable waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comments on its request to extend the approval for the collection of information related to the Coast Guard Exchange System Scholarship Application. This request is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information is used to evaluate and rank scholarship applications for dependents of Coast Guard members and employees. The public can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal before February 11, 2021, citing the OMB Control Number 1625-0119 and docket number USCG-2020-0664.

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee. This committee advises the Secretary of Homeland Security on issues related to the pilotage of ships through the Great Lakes, with a focus on regulations and policies. Applicants must have at least five years of experience in maritime operations and need to apply by email before May 6, 2025. Those interested should send a cover letter, resume, and brief biography to the contact provided in the notice.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary safety zone around the Main Street Bridge over the Erie Canal in North Tonawanda, NY, to protect personnel and vessels from the dangers of falling debris during a fireworks display. This safety zone, effective from 11:45 p.m. on December 31, 2024, until 1:15 a.m. on January 1, 2025, prohibits entry unless permission is granted by the Captain of the Port. The decision was made without prior public comment due to the urgency of the situation. The rule is not expected to significantly impact small businesses or the environment, as it lasts only 1.5 hours and coincides with a time when canal traffic is minimal.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has made available Revision 9 to the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-6. This directive provides important guidelines for U.S. ships operating in areas where terrorism, piracy, and ship robbery are common. Since this information is sensitive, it's not available to the public, but U.S. vessel owners and operators affected by previous versions should contact their local Coast Guard contact for a copy. The new revision also updates high-risk water locations and responsibilities and highlights some changes like reducing electronic vessel transmissions in certain areas.