DNV is increasing its share of the U.S. flag fleet. Within the past couple of years, we have managed to transfer several vessels to the U.S. Register.
The process of changing to the U.S. flag is much more complicated and cumbersome than changing to other flag administrations. This creates an opportunity for classification societies to provide owners with good service and compliance with the highest quality requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Earning trust
Re-flagging to the U.S. has traditionally been governed by the USCG, based on the Code of Federal Regulations. However, this work has now been delegated to classification societies. DNV obtained this authorisation in 2000 and provides this service under USCG supervision.
Re-flagging involves using our whole portofolio of services as a classification society, and it requires earning the trust of the customer, its suppliers and the USCG. The latter is the supervisory authority at both plan-review and inspection levels the Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI) as appropriate to the location of the project.
Careful balance
The technical scrutiny involved in the re-flagging process requires documentation approval to an extent similar to that of a newbuilding project. This must be in accordance with DNVs current rules, including statutory requirements and the DNV U.S. Supplement. For existing vessels brought to the U.S. flag, it often requires the consideration of alternatives and compliance with the equivalent safety level
Providing class services during re-flagging requires DNV to act in the interest of both parties. Our relationships with the USCG and the customer cannot be compromised, and trust is essential for the success of these projects.
Date: 2002-03-15