46 CFR 136.210: Applying for or renewing a COI
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section explains how owners and managing operators apply for a COI. They must submit Form CG-3752 to the cognizant OCMI, on set timelines, with added information for initial certification, renewal, and TSMS vessels.
Applies toOwners and managing operators applying for initial certification or renewal of certification, including those of vessels utilizing the TSMS option.
What it says
Owners and managing operators must submit Form CG-3752, "Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel," to the cognizant OCMI where the inspection will take place.
“Owners and managing operators must submit Form CG-3752, “Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel,” to the cognizant OCMI where the inspection will take place.”
The owner or managing operator must submit the application at least 30 days before the vessel will undergo the initial inspection for certification.
“The owner or managing operator must submit the application at least 30 days before the vessel will undergo the initial inspection for certification.”
The owner or managing operator must schedule the initial certification inspection with the cognizant OCMI at least 3 months before the vessel is to undergo the inspection.
“The owner or managing operator must schedule an inspection for this initial certification with the cognizant OCMI at least 3 months before the vessel is to undergo the inspection for certification.”
For initial certification, the owner or managing operator must also submit vessel particular information, and the number of persons in addition to the crew if requested.
46 CFR 136.210(a)(1)“(i) Vessel particular information; and”
For a renewal of certification, the owner or managing operator must also submit any changes to the initial certification information and a description of any modifications to the vessel.
46 CFR 136.210(a)(2)(i)“Any changes to the information in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; and”
Owners or managing operators of vessels utilizing the TSMS option must also submit objective evidence that the owner or managing operator and the vessel comply with the TSMS requirements in part 138 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 136.210(b)(1)“Objective evidence that the owner or managing operator and the vessel are in compliance with the TSMS requirements in part 138 of this subchapter; and”
TSMS vessels must also submit objective evidence that the vessel's structure, stability, and essential systems comply with the applicable requirements of this subchapter for the intended route and service.
46 CFR 136.210(b)(2)“Objective evidence that the vessel's structure, stability, and essential systems comply with the applicable requirements of this subchapter for the intended route and service.”
Common questions
How far ahead must I submit the COI application?
The owner or managing operator must submit the application at least 30 days before the initial inspection for certification.
“The owner or managing operator must submit the application at least 30 days before the vessel will undergo the initial inspection for certification.”
How early must I schedule the initial COI inspection?
The owner or managing operator must schedule the initial certification inspection with the cognizant OCMI at least 3 months before the inspection.
“The owner or managing operator must schedule an inspection for this initial certification with the cognizant OCMI at least 3 months before the vessel is to undergo the inspection for certification.”
What form of evidence can show a TSMS vessel meets the structure and stability requirements?
The objective evidence may be a survey report issued by a TPO or another form acceptable to the Coast Guard.
“This objective evidence may be in the form of a survey report issued by a TPO or another form acceptable to the Coast Guard.”
What must I submit to renew a COI besides Form CG-3752?
The owner or managing operator must submit any changes to the initial certification information and a description of any modifications to the vessel.
“A description of any modifications to the vessel.”
The text of 46 CFR 136.210
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Obtaining or renewing a COI
Owners and managing operators must submit Form CG-3752, “Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel,” to the cognizant OCMI where the inspection will take place. The owner or managing operator must submit the application at least 30 days before the vessel will undergo the initial inspection for certification. The owner or managing operator must schedule an inspection for this initial certification with the cognizant OCMI at least 3 months before the vessel is to undergo the inspection for certification.
(a) In addition to Form CG-3752, the owner or managing operator must submit:
(1) For initial certification:
(i) Vessel particular information; and
(ii) Number of persons in addition to the crew, if requested; or
(2) For a renewal of certification:
(i) Any changes to the information in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; and
(ii) A description of any modifications to the vessel.
(b) In addition to Form CG-3752 and the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the owner or managing operator of vessels utilizing the TSMS option must submit:
(1) Objective evidence that the owner or managing operator and the vessel are in compliance with the TSMS requirements in part 138 of this subchapter; and
(2) Objective evidence that the vessel's structure, stability, and essential systems comply with the applicable requirements of this subchapter for the intended route and service. This objective evidence may be in the form of a survey report issued by a TPO or another form acceptable to the Coast Guard.
Sections it refers to
- 46 CFR part 138
Guides that cite this section
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.