NVIC 02-99: Streamlined Inspection Program guidance

NVIC 2-99 part 1 2100 Second Street, S.W. Commandant Washington, DC 20593-0001 United States Coast Guard Staff Symbol: G-MOC-2 Phone: 202-267-1464 COMDTPUB P16700.4 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 2-99 Subj: GUIDANCE ON THE STREAMLINED INSPECTION 1.PURPOSE. This Circular provides guidance on the implementation and enforcement of the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) as promulgated in Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), Part 8.

GUIDANCE ON THE STREAMLINED INSPECTION PROGRAM (Part 1) — DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. MOC Policy Letters 4-97, 5-97, and 6-97 are cancelled.

DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. MOC Policy Letters 4-97, 5-97, and 6-97 are cancelled.

GUIDANCE ON THE STREAMLINED INSPECTION PROGRAM (Part 1) — DISCUSSION.

a. The Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) is a voluntary alternate method of inspecting a vessel to ensure regulatory compliance. Instead of the traditional Coast Guard inspection by a marine inspector, the SIP allows onboard and shoreside vessel operating personnel to conduct the majority of inspections required by the CFRs, and to have the adequacy of these inspections verified by Coast Guard marine inspectors on a regular basis. b. It is the intent of the SIP to raise the overall safety of a vessel by actively empowering the vessel’s support personnel. The main focus on the establishment of this program is to develop, under Coast Guard supervision, a process by which the inspection of the vessel is carried out by qualified company personnel with approved test procedures in a self-perpetuating, self-correcting format. c. The SIP may not be suited for every company. This program is intended for companies, regardless of size, which have an absolute commitment to safety and which employ capable and dedicated vessel operating personnel. The initial time and effort necessary to establish this program is considerable. However, the long-term benefits of establishing the program outweigh the initial cost. Initial pilot SIPs have proven highly successful. Reductions in Coast Guard inspection time were realized allowing marine inspector resources to be concentrated on higher risk activities. Companies experienced reductions in both time and monies required to maintain regulatory compliance. An additional advantage realized was that crews became more familiar with safety equipment and vessel systems, resulting in higher crew moral and opportunities for professional advancement. Additionally, a substantial safety dividend was realized when the level of vessel safety was both increased and maintained over time.

GUIDANCE ON THE STREAMLINED INSPECTION PROGRAM (Part 1) — IMPLEMENTATION.

file:////wwwstage.uscg.mil/wwwroot/hq/g-m/nvic/2_99/n2-99a.htm (1 of 27)08/05/2008 3:13:04 PM NVIC 2-99 part 1 a.

Enclosure (1) contains comprehensive information necessary for a company to develop an SIP, and guidance for an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to establish SIP programs with interested companies.

This enclosure explains the background of SIP and the procedures for participation and program administration.

Samples of all of the forms necessary to successfully create a company program will be available for downloading from the Coast Guard Marine Safety SIP Website. b.

The Inspection Criteria References (ICR), available for download by vessel subchapter, serve as the basis of the program.

ICRs indicate many of the possible vessel systems/subsystems required to be periodically inspected.

Specific reference is made to the relevant CFR and the criteria or performance standard is explained.

Each ICR also outlines the actions to be taken when a deficiency is noted during periodic company inspections.

The ICRs have been "pre-packaged" by 46 CFR Subchapter.

It is only necessary that the vessel owner/operator obtain a copy of the relevant Subchapter(s) for their vessel(s).

NOTE: The available ICRs are not a compilation of all possible vessel systems/items required to be inspected.

They should be used as templates, guidance, and ready reference of a large portion of those required systems.

However, it remains the vessel owner/operator's responsibility to ensure that ICRs for all systems required to be inspected onboard their vessel(s) are developed. c.

Coast Guard marine inspectors and boarding officers will refer to the enclosed guidance when conducting inspections, examinations, or boardings on participating vessels to assess compliance with the regulations.

A sample of the recommended Coast Guard SIP Inspection Form to be used in conducting these activities is available from the Internet site. d.

Officers-in-Charge, Marine Inspection are encouraged to bring the enclosed guidance to the attention of interested individuals in the maritime industry within their zones. e.

Owners and operators of vessels are encouraged to review the guidance contained in this circular to determine if the SIP is a viable option for ensuring their regulatory compliance, and if so, to use this guidance for the creation of their program. f.

For the convenience of the end-users of this NVIC, components may be accessed through the Coast Guard's Marine Safety internet website at: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/gmhome.htm g.

The different operational nature of the unmanned inland tank barge fleet in contrast to the self-propelled fleet necessitates a fleet-specific solution.

A Quality Action Team

(QAT) will be formed, comprised of both industry and Coast Guard membership, to develop a viable alternative inspection program for this class of vessel.

In the interim, file:////wwwstage.uscg.mil/wwwroot/hq/g-m/nvic/2_99/n2-99a.htm (2 of 27)08/05/2008 3:13:04 PM NVIC 2-99 part 1 those tank barges currently in a prototype SIP may continue operating under their current prototype program for the remainder of the 3-year period provided for in 46 CFR Part 8, or until they disenroll—voluntarily or involuntarily, or convert to the alternative inspection program developed in response to the QAT’s efforts. h.

For more information about the Streamlined Inspection Program, contact the SIP Program Manager at Coast Guard Headquarters (G-MOC), (202) 267-1464. /s/ R.C.

North Rear Admiral, U.S.

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environment Protection Encl: (1) A Guide to the Streamlined Inspection Program for U.S.

Inspected Vessels Non-Standard Distribution: B:a Commandant (G-MOC) (20); Commandant (G-MSO) (10); Commandant (G-MO- 1) (5).

C:e New Orleans (90); Hampton Road (50); Baltimore (45); San Francisco, Puget Sound (40); Philadelphia, Port Arthur, Honolulu (35); Miami, Houston, Mobile, Long Beach, Morgan City (25); Jacksonville, Portland, OR (20) Boston, Portland, ME, Charleston, Galveston, Anchorage (15); Cleveland (12); Louisville, Memphis, Paducah, Pittsburgh, St.

Louis, Savannah, San Juan, Tampa, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Milwaukee, San Diego, Juneau, Valdez (10); Providence, Huntington, Wilmington, Corpus Christi, Toledo, Guam, Sault Ste Marie (5).

C:m New York (70); Strugeon Bay (4).

D:d Except Baltimore, Moriches and Grand Haven.

D:l CG Liaison Officer MILSEALIFTCOMD (Code N-7CG), CG Liaison Officer RSPA (DHM-22), CG Liaison Officer MARAD (MAR-742), CG Liaison Officer JUSMAGPHIL, CG Liaison Officer World Maritime University, CG Liaison Officer ABS (1), Maritime Liaison Officer Commander U.S.

Naval Forces Central Commander (1).

NOAA Fleet Inspection Officer (1). file:////wwwstage.uscg.mil/wwwroot/hq/g-m/nvic/2_99/n2-99a.htm (3 of 27)08/05/2008 3:13:04 PM