Coast Guard publications provide guidance to maritime personnel on all aspects of the Marine Inspection Program. To persons evaluating an incident involving U. S. vessels, and in some cases, foreign vessels, these are an important resource of requirements and standards which are applicable. Following is a brief description of available publications and computer information.
Proceedings of the Marine Safety Council
The bimonthly magazine is published by the Coast Guard's Office of Marine, Safety Security and Environmental Protection in the interest of safety at sea under the auspices of the Marine Safety Council. It addresses various broad policy areas, proposed regulations, Coast Guard programs, and casualty reviews. Address requests for subscriptions to: Editor, Proceedings Magazine, U. S. Coast Guard (G-MP-4), 2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20593-0001. Free.
Marine Safety Manual, 8 volumes
This manual is the bible for Coast Guard marine inspection and Captain of the Port personnel. It sets forth information about the interpretation and application of Coast Guard regulations and policy. The volumes are loose leaf and updated periodically. Individual volumes may be obtained from the Government Printing Office (GPO) as can annual subscriptions for revisions.
MSM Vol I Administration & Management, $76 stk #950-037-00000-8
MSM Vol II Material Inspection, $92 stk # 950-038-00000-4
MSM Vol III Marine Industry Personnel, $57 stk #950-039-00000-1
MSM Vol IV Technical, $73 stk #950-040-000000-9
MSM Vol V Investigations, $50 stk #950-041-00000-5
MSM Vol VI Ports & Waterway Activities, $76 stk # 950-041-00000-5
MSM Vol VII Port Security, $74, stk #950-065-00000-1
MSM Vol X Interagency Agreements & Acronyms, $48 stk #950-043-00000-8
NVICs
Published periodically, Navigation and Inspection Circulars (NVICs) inform the marine industry and the public of specific Coast Guard policies, regulations and their interpretations. They may be purchased individually or as a full set by the calendar year. The annual subscription fee from the GPO is $38. Individual prices vary. Copy of previously issued NVICs can be obtained from USCG Marine Safety Center, 400 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20593-0001, attn: Janice McKenzie.
Equipment List
This is an index of equipment which has received Coast Guard approval or certification for use on inspected vessels. It can be obtained from the GPO for $12 stk #050-012-00-8.
MSIS
The Marine Safety Information (computer) System (MSIS) connects all facets of Coast Guard activity concerning the promotion of life, property and environment in the marine domain. MSIS records safety information on Certificates of Inspection and Compliance, and SOLAS documents. It maintains records of vessel casualties, pollution incidents, boardings, inspections, and history of violations of federal regulations on safety and environmental protection.
A magnetic tape of the MSIS data file can be purchased for $453 (including handling) by ordering as follows: Merchant Vessels of the United States PB91-506907 from National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Rd, Springfield, VA 22161, (703) 487-4650.
PSIX
The Port State Information Exchange is an online database containing information on vessels calling at U. S. ports. It indicates contacts which the Coast Guard has had with the vessel, violations or deficiencies and specifics on the vessel. The database may be accessed free by the general public through phone number (202) 267-4333. Use the password "psix" in lower case. In order to locate a vessel in the database, you must have either the Official Number of the vessel or its VIN number.
NIS
The Coast Guard Navigation Information System (NIS) bulletin board is a computer accessed data base which contains many interesting sections. The main menu contains sections on: Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP); Recreational Boating which includes boat recall information; Marine Communications Library which contains IMO, SOLAS and other international documents and minutes; Local Notice to Mariners; USCG National Pollution Funds Center; USCG Public Affairs; and Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection Information.
Information can be viewed on the screen or down loaded using one of many protocols.
Access may be had by dialing (703) 313-5910. New users can set up access on line. There is no charge other than the phone call.
The Coast Guard is in the process of redesigning the Automated Local Notice to Mariner system. In the interim, IS has developed a Fax on Demand system to serve your needs. Call (703) 313- 5931 or 5932 to receive the latest LNM status updates. Assistance may be had by talking to a real person on (703) 313-5900.
MEC has online access to all of these databases and has in its library current copies of all publications listed above.
Home ! Search
Page ! Master index ! Table of Contents
for This Issue