Coast Guard Tosses Out Dusty Old Inspection Memo
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard announces the cancellation of an obsolete Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC). NVICs are guidance documents issued by the Coast Guard. While they do not have the force of law, NVICs help ensure Coast Guard inspections and other regulatory actions conducted by field personnel are complete and consistent. Similarly, the marine industry and the general public rely on NVICs to assess how the Coast Guard will enforce certain regulations or conduct various marine safety programs. Thus, to avoid confusion, it is important that the public be notified when NVICs are cancelled.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Coast Guard cancels STEP guidance
If you operate a vessel subject to the Coast Guard's Ballast Water Management regulations (33 CFR 151.2005), the Coast Guard cancelled Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-04 on December 2, 2025. The NVIC, which set procedures to apply for the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP), is described as outdated and no longer needed, and the Coast Guard says the STEP application process can be "significantly streamlined."
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