Lloyd?s Register gains USCG authorisation for OSVs

Lloyd?s Register (LR) has been authorised by the US Coast Guard (USCG) to extend its Alternate Compliance Program (ACP) capabilities to offshore supply vessels (OSVs), in addition to cargo and tank vessels. The new authorisation was issued on July 9, 2004.

ACP is a voluntary program available through authorised classification societies for owners, operators, designers and builders of US-flag vessels to comply with USCG design and inspection regulations, intended to reduce the regulatory burden on the maritime industry while maintaining existing levels of safety.

In order to obtain the additional authorisation for OSVs, LR underwent a rigorous review process, which involved a comprehensive comparison of classification Rules, statutory requirements and federal regulations applicable to this vessel type. Chris Desmond, Business Development Manager and ACP Co-ordinator, Lloyd?s Register North America, Inc., says: “ACP, the highest level of authorisation granted by USCG to a non-US classification society, involves a rigorous and demanding review process. Having successfully obtained authorisation for ACP in December 2003, LR has now further enhanced its capabilities by adding an addendum which allows it to extend the benefits of the program to owners and operators of OSVs.”

LR is one of only two non-US classification societies to have gained authorisation for ACP and is the first non-US classification society to receive authorisation for OSVs.