The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance’s (CG-CVC) Work Instruction (CVC-WI-002 (series)) provides a full overview of these programs including incentives, eligibility requirements and application instructions. This Work Instruction along with other guidance on port state control matters can be found on CG-CVC’s Mission Management System (MMS) webpage.

Note: The Coast Guard revised QUALSHIP 21 and E-Zero Programs Work Instruction, CVC-WI-002(2), which updated the guidance and eligibility criteria for the program. These changes entered into force on January 14, 2026 and are intended to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of the programs, which recognize and reward high-quality, foreign-flagged vessels operating in U.S. waters.