Alternative Hull Exam Program

The U.S. Coast Guard has established an alternative hull examination program for certain U.S. passenger vessels. It is also giving nautical school, offshore supply, passenger, and sailing school vessels the option of alternating drydock examinations with underwater surveys. Finally, it is giving industry additional latitude in scheduling inspections, creating parity between passenger vessels and all other Coast Guard-inspected vessels. The rule comes into effect on September 7, 2004. 69 Fed. Reg. 47378 (August 5, 2004).