Action
Final rule.
Summary
The Coast Guard amends its vessel inspection regulations to introduce a 5-year Certificate of Inspection cycle in accordance with the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 to harmonize our inspections with most internationally required certificates. This rulemaking is necessary for the following reasons: to align inspection schedules with international protocols; to establish an examination process giving industry additional latitude in scheduling inspections; and to create a parity between small passenger vessels and all other Coast Guard- inspected vessels. The Coast Guard expects this rule to result in a reduction in the time and paperwork associated with Coast Guard vessel inspections for certification.