4. (cont'd) Coast Guard to delegate inspection functions to other classification societies, but at this time only ABS has received such a delegation. Procedures for receiving a delegation are contained in Title 46, United States Code (46 USC), Section 3316.
5. Are there any other organizations to whom the government entrusts ship inspection? At this time only the Coast Guard and ABS perform inspections on U.S. vessels, although we are testing a seif-inspection pilot program where an operating company would perform certain self-inspections, and the Coast Guard or ABS would audit the company's efforts. This program is called the Streamlined Insoection Program (SIP).
6. Do you have any systems to make the ship inspection process more reasonable? The Coast Guard feels that delegations to ABS and the SIP will each make the inspection process easier for the vessel operator to comply with
7. Does the Coast Guard accept test results from any organizations other than ship classification societies? If so, please inform us of those organizations. There are many standards organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), whose standards are incorporated in our regulations, but they are too numerous to list here.
8. How are the inspections of the radio equipment on board the ships shared between ABS, USCG, and the FCC? The Coast Guard ensures that the vessel has an FCC approved radio installation. The Coast Guard doesn't perform radio equipment installation inspections.
9. Have you incorporated ISO 9001-3 in carrying out ship inspections? The SOLAS International Safety Management (ISM) Code will apply to most U.S. flag vessels in 1998. We do not intend at this time to require ISO 9000-3 certification.
10. Please inform us of any further movement in the deregulation or further regulation in the U.S. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 amended 46 USC to recognize the ISM Code, to modify our equipment approval process, and to modify our laws concerning classification society delegation. Implementing these laws will be the focus of our deregulation efforts for the next two years.
This reply is also to confirm your scheduled visit at 0900 on Wednesday, October 30, 1996 for your delegation to meet with our staff Please let us know if there are any changes to your plans.
