Flag State Control Division (CG-CVC-4)

Alternate Compliance Program

Overview

To promote an efficient marine transportation system by providing increased flexibility in the construction and operation of U.S. flag vessels, while maintaining equivalent levels of safety and environmental protection. The U.S. Coast Guard has entered into formal agreements with certain classification societies under the authority of Title 46, United States Code (USC) Section 3316. These agreements cover the delegation of certain statutory survey and certification functions for U.S. flagged vessels. Delegated function means a function related to Coast Guard commercial vessel inspection, which has been delegated to a recognized classification society. Delegated functions may include the authorization to issue international convention certificates and participation in the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP). Delegated functions performed by, and statutory certificates issued by, an authorized classification society will be accepted as functions performed by, or certificates issued by, the Coast Guard, provided that the classification society maintains compliance with all provisions of its agreement with the Commandant. Any agreement between the Commandant and the recognized classification society authorizing the performance of delegated functions will be written and will require the classification society to comply with the provisions of Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 8. All authorized classification societies are subject to the same qualification and oversight processes and each is given equal status within their delegated authority and recognized function. The U.S. Coast Guard provides no advantage or special privilege to any one authorized classification society over another.

Classification Societies authorized to participate in the Alternate Compliance Program

• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• ClassNK (NKK)
• DNV
• Lloyd's Register (LR)

The Coast Guard has delegated authority to these classification societies through their respective Agreements with the Coast Guard which are available on the Classification Society Authorizations webpage.

Current U.S. Supplement

• U.S. Supplement 3.11.21
• U.S. Supplement FAQ (Updated March 24, 2021)

Previous U.S. Supplements

• ABS Supplement for Steel Vessel (2017)
• ABS Supplement for Steel Vessels Under 90 meters
• ABS Supplement for the 1989 IMO MODU Code
• ABS Supplement for Offshore Support Vessels (2017)
• DNV Supplement, Revision 11
• DNV MODU Supplement
• LR Supplement, Rev 2.0
• LR MODU Supplement
• LR OSV Annex to Supplement
• GL Supplement, Revision 15
• RINA U.S. Supplement
• ClassNK U.S. Supplement
• DNV GL U.S. Supplement

Publications

• Memorandum of Cooperation between the United States Coast Guard and the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission Regarding the Management of the Code for Recognized Organizations Oversight Program With Respect to Mutually Recognized Organizations
• Memorandum of Cooperation between the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Transport of Canada Regarding the Management of the Code for Recognized Organizations Oversight Program With Respect to Mutually Recognized Organizations
• Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular No. 2-95 Ch. 3 "Alternate Compliance Program"
• Marine Safety Manual Vol. II, Section B, CH. 9
• Federal Register Vol. 60 No. 23 (February 3, 1995) "ACP and ABS Pilot Program"
• Federal Register Vol. 61 No. 250 (December 27, 1996) "ACP and Recognized Societies"
• Federal Register Vol. 63 No. 30 (February 13, 1998) "ACP Supplement Development Process"
• USCG Supplemental Requirements for use of IEC 60092-502:1999 for application of SOLAS regulation II-1/45.11 to U.S. flag vessels
• Memorandum of Understanding between United States Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Inspection and Certification Services, 2005

ACP - Vessel Enrollment - Contact the ACP Program Manager: