COMDTINST 16703.2B — Marine Safety And Security Council: Oversight Of The Coast Guard Regulatory Program

COMDTINST 16703.2B governs Marine Safety and Security Council oversight of the Coast Guard regulatory program and rulemaking projects.

Search COMDTINST 16703.2B

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 16703.2B
  • Title: MARINE SAFETY AND SECURITY COUNCIL: OVERSIGHT OF THE COAST GUARD REGULATORY PROGRAM
  • Date: 12/22/2021
  • Proponent: CG-LRA

View COMDTINST 16703.2B on armypubs.army.mil


It defines rulemaking documents and establishes MSSC membership, responsibilities, procedures, voting, and reporting. It also sets clearance and signature authority processes for significant and nonsignificant rulemaking documents.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, chief of headquarter directorates must comply with the policies contained.

Topics covered

  • Coast Guard regulatory program oversight
  • rulemaking project approval
  • significant rulemaking document clearance
  • MSSC voting procedures
  • rulemaking project priority list
  • MSSC membership
  • regulatory program annual reports

Questions and answers

What is a significant rulemaking document?

A document that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determines to be a “significant regulatory action” in accordance with the criteria in Executive Order 12866.

What approval is required for significant rulemaking documents?

All significant rulemaking documents are reviewed by DHS and OMB and require approval by the Commandant and MSSC.

Who can sign nonsignificant rulemaking documents?

Any deputy or assistant commandant or director with properly delegated signature authority may sign non-significant rulemaking documents within that executive’s areas of responsibility as outlined in the appropriate delegation. (paragraph 1)

How many voting members are needed for an MSSC decision?

Decisions of the MSSC, including approval of the Annual Report and the Rulemaking Project Priority List, are made by a majority, which is at least four of the six voting members.

Are MSSC meetings open to the public?

MSSC meetings are not open to the public.

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