U.S. Coast Guard Unveils Safe Ship Incentive Program

Reductions in Port State Control Examinations and streamlined inspection procedures are among the rewards that await the owners of non-U.S. registered commercial vessels that call on U.S. ports - if they measure up in a new quality incentive program established by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

The program was announced today at a shipping conference in Athens, Greece, per Rear Admiral Robert North, assistant Coast Guard Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. Dubbed Qualship 21, the incentive program, which is part of the USCG effort to eliminate substandard shipping and reward high-quality vessels, is also being considered for U.S. registered vessels.

Vessel owners will not need to apply for Qualship 21 designation; rather the USCG will develop a preliminary list of eligible vessels and send letters to those vessel owners informing them of this initiative and their opportunity to participate.