USCG Enhanced Examination Program

C24022 | 30 April 2024

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators / Surveyors / Auditors :

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) will conduct an Enhanced Examination Program (EEP), from 1st April 2024 until 30 June 2024.

The EEP will take place during every USCG Port State Control Inspection and will verify compliance with engine room fire safety requirements. Items that will be verified include:

• Proper operation of at least one (1) fuel oil shutoff valve via remote operation. {SOLAS 11-2/4.2.2.3.4).
• Proper operation of control of stopping power ventilation for machinery spaces from outside the machinery space. (SOLAS 11-2/5.2.1.2).
• Presence and condition of protection against hot surfaces (i.e., lagging). {SOLAS 11- 2/26.1).

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators and Masters should, before calling at any U.S. ports, ensure that:

• quick closing devices or remote-operated fuel valves are operating satisfactorily, maintained, and ready for use at all times;
• records of the inspection, maintenance, and testing of quick-closing valves are available;
• power ventilation of machinery spaces is operable from two grouped positions, one of which is located outside of the space;
• means provided for stopping the power ventilation of the machinery spaces are entirely separate from ventilation of other spaces;
• the operational status of control for power ventilation of machinery spaces is checked (both position systems); and
• insulation/lagging on exhaust pipes and other hot surfaces including fire insulation for bulkheads/decks and penetrations are in satisfactory condition.