46 U.S.C. 3711 (interpreted by 46 CFR 154) states all foreign tankers operating on navigable waters of the United States must maintain a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC).
COC is valid for a period not to exceed 2 years with verification inspections conducted at least annually.
Vessel owners/operators are required to apply for a Subchapter O Endorsement (SOE) prior to requesting a COC examination
USCG's Marine Safety Center (MSC) will verify 46 CFR 154 compliance and forward the SOE to the controlling unit for issuance along with the COC and PSC form A (USCG 5437)
Application for an SOE is only required prior to first call of a U.S. port unless the vessel has undergone a major renovation.
The SOE review process focuses on the four areas 46 CFR 154 exceed the IGC Code:
- Ambient Design Temperatures.
- Cargo Tank Temperature & Pressure Control
- Reduced MARVS on Independent Type B & Type C Tanks
- Enhanced Steel Grades.
Annually the USCG Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGCNCOE) publish the most deficient areas of COC inspections to better assist vessels prepare and alleviate any undue delays.
