Construction Rules on Commercial Fishing Vessels from February 2016 to 2025

Purpose

Inform fishing vessel owners and operators about the requirements for the construction, inspection, and maintenance of certain commercial fishing vessels. References:

• 46 USC 4502
• 46 USC 4503
• USCG Policy Letter 24-02

In lieu of the commercial fishing industry vessel (CFIV) classing requirements specified in 46 USC § 4503(a), certain vessels may meet alternative requirements per 46 USC § 4503(d). Specifically, this applies to Commercial Fishing Vessels (CFV) and fish tender vessels (FTV) that are between 50 and 180 feet overall in length and were built after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016, effective February 8, 2016.

1. Classification Society Construction Oversight:
   • Under 46 USC §4503(d)(2), vessel construction must be supervised and certified as compliant with its design by a marine surveyor from an organization approved by the Secretary. The Coast Guard recognizes certain Classification Societies to oversee all aspects of construction and post-construction verification, as specified in 46 USC §4503(d)(1)-(7). In accordance with 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart 8, the Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) maintains a list of approved Classification Societies, available under “Classification Society Authorizations and Agreements” at: USCG.Flag.State.ClassSoc.List
2.  Post Construction Surveys:
   • Post-construction surveys required under 46 USC §4503(d)(5), (6), and (7) include condition surveys, out-of-water surveys, and compliance verification measures. These surveys must be conducted by a marine surveyor from an organization approved by the Secretary, such as the U.S. Coast Guard.
     The following organizations are authorized to verify compliance with 46 USC §4503(d)(5), (6), and (7):
     • Classification Societies listed at: USCG.Flag.State.ClassSoc.List
     • National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) - The NAMS organization is responsible for maintaining a list of its surveyors authorized to perform compliance verifications under 46 USC §4503(d)(5), (6), and (7).
3. Throughout the vessel's lifespan, the owner must keep records demonstrating compliance with the requirements outlined in 46 USC §4503 and ensure these records are readily accessible for inspection by an authorized U.S. Coast Guard representative.