Deepwater Ports Standards

Functional Objectives:

Under the Deepwater Port Act (DWPA), the Coast Guard jointly processes deepwater port (DWPs) license applications with the Maritime Administration (MARAD).  The Coast Guard is responsible for: the design, construction, and activation phases; conducting an independent risk assessment; navigational safety, operational procedures; security plans; and inspections.

DWP regulations are found in 33 CFR Subchapter NN, with license processing regulations found in Part 148 and the Coast Guard’s construction, design, and operational requirements found in Parts 149 - 150.

Note: MARAD is the lead federal agency for the licensing approval of DWPs and maintains details on past and current DWP applications on their website. 

​More Helpful Information and Resources:

• NVIC 03-05: Guidance for Oversight of Port Licensing Activities Associated with Development of Deepwater Ports
• USCG: Third Party Handbook for Processing DWP Permit Applications