Quirky Ships Snag Special Safety Exemptions from Coast Guard
Published Date: 8/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Coast Guard Heartland District is giving special permission to some unique ships that can’t follow all the usual sea safety light and sound rules because of how they’re built. This helps keep everyone safe without messing up the ship’s design. If you own or work with these special vessels, this update is for you—no extra costs or deadlines, just a heads-up that safety rules are flexible when needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Alternative Compliance for Special Vessels
The Coast Guard Heartland District (previously District 8) issued certificates of alternative compliance under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS). If you own or operate a vessel of special construction or purpose that cannot fully follow the light, shape, or sound signal rules without interfering with its design, the Coast Guard can issue a certificate allowing alternative measures; this notice is a statutory publication and does not impose extra costs or deadlines.
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