The USCG’s Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise (CSNCOE) and the Liquefied Gas Carriers National Center of Expertise (LGCNCOE) provided guidance to cruise ship owners, operators, and builders regarding USCG examinations for foreign passenger vessels built with fuel systems utilizing Low-flashpoint fuels (LFF).
The USCG has recently published the LFF Job Aid to help Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) in verifying compliance with the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).
Additionally, the Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise (CSNCOE) has updated the Process Guides to assist PSCOs in verifying IGF Code compliance during Initial, Annual, and Periodic Certificate of Compliance (COC) examinations. The newly published CSNCOE Foreign Passenger Vessel Initial COC exam Work Instruction, Guide for Conducting ICOC Exams (MPS-WI-CSNCOE-05) incorporates the LFF Job Aid for examination procedures.
Namely, foreign passenger vessels should make all documentation & equipment ready for examination as indicated in the LFF Job Aid. It is recommended that initial verification of LFF systems take place during the overseas portion of the Initial COC examination.
We understand ships with these systems are currently being built in European shipyards, therefore all LFF initial verifications/exams should be scheduled through the Activities Europe (ACTEUR) office via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Examination applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the requested attendance date
said USCG adding that early engagement with ACTEUR is highly encouraged to accommodate coordination and planning efforts.
