American Bureau of Shipping

 

 

 

Authorizations



ABS has been authorized to issue the following IMO certificates:
 
  • International Load Line Certificate
  • International Tonnage Certificate
  • SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
  • SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
  • SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
  • MARPOL 73/78 Annex I; International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
  • MARPOL 73/78 Annex II; International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk
  • MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI; International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate
  • International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk
  • International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk
  • Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate
  • ISM Code; Safety Management Certificate and Document of Compliance
  • Document of Compliance for ships carry dangerous goods under SOLAS regulation II-2/19
  • Certificate of Fitness for Noxious Liquid Substances on Offshore Supply Vessels (IMO A.673)
  • International Anti-Fouling System Certificate (IAFS)
  • International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEE)

Special Notes

 

1. The ABS "Guidance Notes for Building and Classing Ships Carrying Compressed Natural Gas" have not been accepted by the USCG

 

USCG-approved Supplements



The Coast Guard has approved U.S. Supplements to the following ABS Rules:

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Certificated for International Voyages (2017) (Supplement dated August 14, 2017)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"
  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels" (except liftboats)

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Certificated for International Voyages (2011) (Supplement dated May 3, 2011)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"
  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels" (except liftboats)

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Certificated for International Voyages (2009) (Supplement dated April 13, 2009)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"
  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels" (except liftboats)

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages (Supplement dated June 1, 2003)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated July 12, 2010)

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels
Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated March 1, 2014) 
For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"
  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels" (except liftboats)

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated June 1, 2003)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"
  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels" (except liftboats)

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages (Supplement dated November 1, 1999)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters on Int'l Voyages (Supplement dated March 29, 1999)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"

 

ABS Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Support Vessels for Vessels Certificated for International Voyages (Supplement dated  August 1, 2017)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

 

  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels"
  • Subchapter I/L - "Multi-Certificated Vessels"
  • Subchapter U - "Oceanographic Research Vessels"

 

 

ABS Rules for Offshore Support Vessels (Supplement dated
January 11, 2013)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:

  • Subchapter L - "Offshore Supply Vessels"
  • Subchapter I/L - "Multi-Certificated Vessels"
  • Subchapter U - "Oceanographic Research Vessels"

 

ABS Rules for Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and the 1989 IMO MODU Code (Supplement dated November 1, 1998)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

  • Subchapter I-A - "Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

 

 

ABS Rules for Steel Vessels on International Voyages (Supplement dated August 1, 1997)

For vessels certificated under 46 CFR:
 

 

 

  • Subchapter D - "Tank Vessels"
  • Subchapter H - "Passenger Vessels"
  • Subchapter I - "Cargo and Misc Vessels"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other references

 

 

 

 


  • NVIC 10-82 "Acceptance of Plan Review and Inspection by ABS"

  • NVIC 3-97 "Stability-related Review by ABS"



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Interim changes, additions and subtractions from U.S. Supplements

(Holding file)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Steel Vessels for Vessels Certificated for Int'l Voyages (1 April 2009)
 

 

 

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Replace 6 Aug 2009 Section III, Annex VI
Cite: 46 CFR 63.25-9 Incinerators

Each incinerator installed on or after March 26, 1998 must meet the requirements of IMO Resolution MEPC.76(40) or equivalent.
A U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Approval is required for each incinerator.


Compliance with the following standards are considered to meet IMO Res. MEPC.76(40):

- ISO 13617; or

- ASTM F 1323 and Annexes A1-A3 of IMO Res. MEPC.76(40)
Add 5 Jan 2010 Section I
Cite: Section 5C-1-7/11.11.2 Cargo Tank Venting/Protection for Tank Overpressurization/PV Valve Setting

The calculations submitted to show that the cargo tanks will not be subjected to a pressure or vacuum in excess of their design pressure must also show that the P/V valve setting will not be exceeded.
 

 

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Steel Vessels for Vessels Certificated for Int'l Voyages (1 June 2003)
 

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 14 Aug 2003 Section VI
Cite: II-1/Reg 8 Damage Stability

For Passenger vessels not using Res. A.265(VIII) as an equivalent to Part B, the stability of
passenger ships in the damaged condition shall comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 171.080
in association with subdivision requirements given in 46 CFR Part 171.
Add 25 Aug 2005 Section II.B
Cite: II-2/9.2.3.1 Structural Fire Protection

Only Method IC shall be used.
Add 8 Dec 2006 Section I
Cite: Section 4-8-2/11.5.3 Electrical Systems

A sound-powered telephone system or other reliable voice communication method must be installed
that is independent of the vessel's electrical system (Ref: 46 CRF 113.30-3(b)).

 

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Steel Vessels Under 90 meters in Length Certificated for Int'l Voyages (1 June 2003)
 

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 14 Aug 2003 Section VI
Cite: II-1/Reg 8 Damage Stability

For Passenger vessels not using Res. A.265(VIII) as an equivalent to Part B, the stability of
passenger ships in the damaged condition shall comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 171.080
in association with subdivision requirements given in 46 CFR Part 171.
Add 25 Aug 2005 Section II.B
Cite: II-2/9.2.3.1 Structural Fire Protection

Only Method IC shall be used.
Add 8 Dec 2006 Section I
Cite: Section 4-6-2/15.5.3 Electrical Systems.

A sound-powered telephone system or other reliable voice communication method must be
installed that is independent of the vessel's electrical system (Ref: 46 CFR 113.30-3(b)).

 

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for Offshore Support Vessels

 

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 1 Aug 2017 Entire document

ABS Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Support Vessels for Vessels Certificated for International Voyages

U.S. Supplement to ABS Rules for
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and the 1989 IMO MODU Code (November 1, 1998)
 

Action Action date Section # Supplemental Requirements
Add 28 Jul 2008 Section VI
Cite: 46 CFR 56.60-25, Non-metallic materials

Pipes and piping components made of thermopasic or thermosetting plastic materials, with or without reinforcement, are to be USCG-approved.