1. With a Code of Ethics;
2. Whose surveyors are familiar with the requirements of 46 CFR Subchapter C;
3. Whose surveyors are familiar with the operations and equipment on board commercial fishing vessels; 
4. Whose only interest in the fishing industry is in the safety of commercial fishing industry vessels and surveying commercial fishing industry vessels;
5. That has grievance procedures;
6. That has procedures for accepting and terminating membership of an individual, including minimum professional qualifications for surveyors;
7. That maintains a roster of present and past accepted members and surveyors; and
8. That has an Apprentice/Associate program for surveyors.

           USCG Approved Accepted Organizations

 Seattle WA,  98103    

Houston TX,  77058

Fort Myers FL,  33919

Jacksonville FL,  32244    

An organization desiring to be designated by the Commandant as an "Similarly Qualified Organization," must request such designation in writing.  As a minimum, the organization must verify that it -

1. Publishes standards for vessel design and construction which are widely available and which are similar content to the standards published by the ABS;
2. Performs periodic surveys in a wide range of localities during and after construction to ensure compliance with published standards, including drydock examinations, in a manner similar to the ABS;
3. Issues certificates testifying to compliance with the published standards;
4. Has as its primary concern the survey and classification of vessels; 
5. Has no interest in owning or operating fishing, fish processing, or fish tender vessels; and
6. Maintains records of surveys and makes such records available to the Coast Guard upon request in a manner similar to the ABS..

USCG Similarly Qualified Organizations

Seattle WA,  98108

Seattle WA,  98101

Sunrise FL,  33323