COMDTINST 16000.70 — Marine Safety: Marine Inspection Administration

COMDTINST 16000.70 governs Coast Guard marine inspection administration and provisions for merchant vessel inspections.

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  • Publication number: COMDTINST 16000.70
  • Title: MARINE SAFETY: MARINE INSPECTION ADMINISTRATION
  • Date: 9/20/2021
  • Proponent: CG-CVC

View COMDTINST 16000.70 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses inspection authority, vessel documentation, MARPOL Annex II compliance, vessel classification, and marine inspector proficiency. It requires inspection records and notes in MISLE, establishes competency and currency requirements, and describes Verifying Officer qualifications.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the provisions of this Commandant Change Notice.

Topics covered

  • Merchant vessel inspections
  • Inspection authority
  • MARPOL Annex II compliance
  • Vessel classification
  • MISLE inspection notes
  • Marine inspector competencies
  • Verifying Officer qualifications
  • Professional certifications

Questions and answers

What should be entered in MISLE when inspection conditions need later scrutiny?

When conditions are discovered during an inspection that should be highlighted for scrutiny at later inspections, the inspector should enter an inspection note in MISLE under the “Notes” tab. (paragraph 1)

What happens to a MISLE inspection note after its Retain Until date?

After this date passes, the note will remain part of the vessel’s MISLE file, but will only be viewable when “view all notes” box is selected in the Notes tab. (paragraph 1)

What cargo authority should certain vessels not in compliance with MARPOL Annex II have?

The standard cargo authority entered for the COI of these vessels is only by grade(s) of flammable or combustible liquids and does not distinguish NLS cargoes. (paragraph 3)

How often must marine inspectors conduct an inspection to remain certified?

To remain certified, MIs, PSCOs and Vessel Examiners shall conduct at least one inspection / examination every twelve months for each competency required by the OCMI. (paragraph 1)

What is required when assigning and certifying competencies in TMT?

Units must assign competencies to individuals when they are first directed to pursue those competencies. Once certified, units must reflect that change in TMT. The practice of assigning and certifying personnel simultaneously once they receive their certification is unacceptable. (paragraph 1)

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