The United States Coast Guard (USCG) released Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB No. 04-23 to emphasize the need of proper voyage planning, which includes selecting acceptable cargo stowage arrangements and ensuring that the vessel will comply with all obligatory rules and regulations.
The Coast Guard released the Bulletin after an increasing number of break-bulk and retrofitted bulk carriers had been arriving in the U.S. carrying wind turbine parts stowed in a manner that substantially limits visibility from the navigation bridge.
Many of these vessels were issued dispensation letters by their flag administration or recognized organization that temporarily exempted compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 Chapter V, Regulation 22, which specifies requirements regarding navigation bridge visibility standards.
In some cases, flag administrations have issued dispensations of SOLAS V/22, despite the vessel’s intended voyage requiring substantial transit within restricted navigational channels and confined inland waterways with congested maritime traffic. Dispensation letters issued by flag administrations or recognized organizations do not exempt vessels from complying with corresponding U.S. requirements on navigation bridge visibility found in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 164.15.
The COTP may authorize, deny, or require additional mitigation measures. The COTP may alternatively issue a COTP Order or take other appropriate actions in accordance with their authorities. The U.S. Coast Guard does not typically grant deviations for situations intentionally counter to the regulations or solely for convenience or financial incentive.
