scope:

PURPOSE. This instruction is promulgated to notify Coast Guard personnel involved in the Commercial Vessel Safety Program of the expansion of the Marine Safety Center's authority to make interpretations of regulations related to vessel plan review. No longer will issues requiring interpretation of existing regulations and technical requirements have to be forwarded to Commandant for action. This will now be within the purview of the MSC. This change in approval authority is consistent with the MSC's new role as the maritime community's "window" to technical issues in the Coast Guard Commercial Vessel Safety Program.