The Tonnage Admeasurement MOU was expanded in 1983 and 1987 respectively. In 1989, the Coast Guard published regulations, predicated on the MOU, stating that all United States flag commercial, recreational and noncombatant vessels to be measured or remeasured under the Convention, Standard, or Dual Measurement Systems must be measured by ABS.
In the Spring of 1990, a new revised Memorandum of Understanding was executed which incorporated the provisions of all the previous documents and further broadened the cooperative efforts of the Coast Guard and ABS.
In addition to the Memorandum of Understanding, ABS, since 1929, has been recognized as an authorized load line assigning authority of the Coast Guard for
U.S. vessels.
Beginning in 1984, the Coast Guard, also, authorized ABS to conduct stability related reviews, including the witnessing of inclining tests, on behalf of the Coast Guard on certain categories of vessels which are assigned a load line by ABS;
The detailed procedures for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and the other delegated authorities are published in a series of Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC's) and ABS Circulars of Instructions which are continually reviewed and updated by each organization.
The driving force behind these working arrangements was, and is, the elimination of the duplication of effort. We view our agreements with the Coast Guard as a great benefit to the industry we serve. Since ABS has some 800 exclusive surveyors and engineers stationed in all major ports and shipyards around the world, U.S. flag owners can be assured of complete new construction and major modification plan review and survey coverage according to Coast Guard as well as ABS requirements at anytime and anywhere.
At the same time the Coast Guard is able to concentrate on its other duties which again allows them to provide more efficient and effective service in other areas of their responsibility. These Memoranda exemplify our excellent working relationship with the United States Coast Guard, a working relationship we value highly. ABS looks forward to working with the Coast Guard as we do with the maritime industry and in that regard is ready to provide assistance in any way we are able toward promoting our mutual goal of safety of life and property at sea.
The experience gained in the performance of these tasks on behalf of the United States Coast Guard has given ABS the expertise necessary to confirm that the design of a vessel calling on United States ports will be in compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
