SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Comments

We encourage you to submit comments (or related material) on the draft NVIC 02-99, Change 1 Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program. We will consider all submissions provided by the deadline and may adjust our final action based on your comments. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.

Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments at www.regulations.gov. To do so, go to www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2026-0041 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, look for this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment option. If your material cannot be submitted using www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions.

Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, find the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select “Supporting & Related Material” in the Document Type column. Public comments will also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following instructions on the www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked Questions web page.

Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we post to www.regulations.gov will include any personal information you have provided, except that contact information (such as email or mailing address) will not be available for public viewing, unless the submitter includes that information in the body of the docket submission. For more about privacy and submissions in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).

Discussion

The Coast Guard is making available for comment a draft Change 1 to NVIC 02-99, Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program. Originally published in 1999, the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) provides an alternative, company-managed process for ensuring compliance with vessel inspection regulations. Since its inception, the maritime industry has modernized, increasingly relying on digital compliance systems, robust safety management systems, and third-party audits.

This updated draft guidance would modernize the SIP to align with these industry advancements. The draft NVIC ( printed page 54730) would establish a risk-based verification model that reduces redundant physical inspections for high-performing operators, expands acceptable digital recordkeeping formats in lieu of legacy paper forms, and provides updated frameworks for deficiency management and temporary hull repairs. We request your comments on all aspects of this draft NVIC. Your comments will be considered in preparing the final version of the guidance.

This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 46 U.S.C. 3103 and 3306; 46 CFR part 8, subpart E; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1(II)(92).

91 FR 54729