USCG Requests Charterer Information on NOA Requests Reports

The Coast Guard has amended its Notice of Arrival (NOA) regulations to require the owner, master, operator, agent or person in charge of a vessel required to submit an NOA report to identify the charterer of the vessel. This new requirement takes effect September 18. The Coast Guard will use the vessel charterer information to identify charterers associated with substandard vessels as part of the Port State Control program. As part of the new requirements, the identity of the individual or organization that contracts for the majority of the vessel's cargo carrying capacity must be listed in the NOA report. The Coast Guard initiated this change to 33 CFR Part 160 in August 2000. However, the change was suspended by the October 2001 temporary final rule on NOA requirements put in place after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Coast Guard has now decided that the new requirement for charterer information will be made to the currently effective temporary sections of 33 CFR Part 160. When the permanent changes to the NOA requirements are finalized next year, they will include the addition of the charterer information.