USCG Port State Control Targeting and Boarding Policy

The U.S. Coast Guard released its Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) relating to port state control targeting and boarding policy for vessel security and safety. The NVIC provides functional descriptions and responsibilities relating to targeting of foreign vessels for security boardings and for maritime security and safety compliance examinations. It also provides procedures for security boardings; for maritime security and safety examinations; and for reporting, notifying, and enforcing actions. The Coast Guard will start its security examinations of foreign vessels on January 1, 2004. It will commence enforcement action against foreign vessels not in compliance on July 1, 2004. Close review of this NVIC is recommended for all regulated parties. NVIC 06-0 Source: HK Law