In order to reduce time and cost associated with mailing and processing printed manuals, USCG proposed a new rule which retrofits submission of Operations Manuals and Emergency Manuals into digital.
Namely, Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register a proposed rule to enable electronic submission of Operations Manuals and Emergency Manuals and electronic communication between the operators of regulated facilities and the Coast Guard.
To remind, current regulations stipulate that these facilities send the Coast Guard two copies of their Operations Manual, their Emergency Manual, if applicable, and any amendments to the manuals.
As USCG stated:
This proposed rule would allow facility operators to submit one electronic or printed copy of the manuals and amendments to the manuals. At the same time it would also require these facilities to maintain either an electronic or a printed copy of each required manual in the marine transfer area of the facility during transfer operations.
Concluding, comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before January 26, 2021.
