Hull Division
The Hull Division is responsible for reviewing the designs of U.S. flag commercial passenger vessels, freight vessels, fishing vessels and processers, oceanographic research vessels, and towing vessels to verify compliance with U.S. and international safety standards relating to general arrangements, structures, stability, and structural fire protection. The Hull Division consists of the Small Vessel Branch (H1) and the Major Vessel Branch (H2).
Small Vessel Branch (H1):
The Small Vessel Branch is responsible for conducting plan review and oversight of third parties and for providing support to Coast Guard field units in the areas of vessel structure, stability and structural fire protection for the following vessel types:
- Small Passenger Vessels that carry no more than 150 passengers or have overnight accommodations for no more than 49 passengers (Subchapter T)
- Towing Vessels less than 300 GT (Subchapter M)
- All Sailing Vessels
- Freight Vessels less than 100 m in length
- Submersibles
- Oceanographic Research Vessels less than 100 m in length
- Fishing Vessels less than 79 feet in length
Major Vessel Branch (H2):
The Major Vessel Branch is responsible for conducting plan review and oversight of third parties and for providing support to Coast Guard field units in the areas of vessel structure, stability, and structural fire protection for the following vessel types:
- Towing vessels greater than 300 GT
- Small passenger vessels that carry more than 150 passengers or have overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers (Subchapter K)
- Large Passenger Vessels (Subchapter H)
- Freight Vessels
- Oceanographic Research Vessels
- Nautical School Ships
- Commercial Fishing Vessels
The Major vessel Branch also conducts plan review on foreign passenger vessels that are required to participate in the Initial Certificate of Compliance (ICOC) Program.