Coast Guard extends ABS Regulatory Authority capabilities

The U.S. Coast Guard has granted ABS the authority to issue Certificates of Fitness on its behalf to U.S.-flagged offshore supply vessels (OSVs) that transport or handle limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances (NLS) outside of U.S. jurisdictional waters. ABS is the first classification society to be granted this authority. Acting under the authority of the Coast Guard, the society is authorized to issue the certificate based upon the relevant conditions set forth in IMO Resolution A.673(16), as amended.

Additionally, ABS will review OSVs against the requirements stipulated in MARPOL 73/78 Annex II, USCG 46 CFR 8.130, USCG Policy Letter 09-01, as revised and the U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules.

Existing OSVs (keels laid prior to February 20, 2010) that carry limited amounts of hazardous and NLS in bulk outside of US jurisdictional waters will be required to obtain this Certificate of Fitness on or just following their first annual inspection carried out in 2011.  

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life, property and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities.