COMDTINST 16710.92A
18 NOV 1988
3.
f.
On matters for which ABS has acted or is about to act on the Coast Guard's behalf, Coast
Guard inspectors should discuss such matters with shipyard or vessel personnel, with the
ABS surveyor present, or have consulted ABS beforehand. The Coast Guard should not
bypass or give the appearance of bypassing ABS on matters concerning them. In addition,
the Coast Guard inspector should remain aware of the status of the ABS surveyor and
avoid situations which might undermine the surveyor's ability to act on behalf of the Coast
Guard. Paragraph 8 below provides guidance concerning an owner's or builder's rights in
objecting to ABS decisions or actions performed on behalf of the Coast Guard.
4.
LIAISON. The following levels of liaison are maintained to facility the program under
reference (a):
a.
For handling matters of interpretation or policy, designated persons at Coast Guard
Headquarters serve as points of contact with ABS Headquarters, Paramus, NJ. Matters
involving inspection (G-MVI), or certification are handled under the direction of
Commandant and matters involving plan approval are handled under the direction of
Commandant (G-MTH).
b.
The Coast Guard maintains membership on the ABS Board of Managers and various ABS
technical committees to monitor development of and Circulars. The names of ABS
committee members are listed in an appendix to the ABS Rules for Building and Classing
Steel Vessels, which is published annually. Questions regarding ABS committee
membership or matters before ABS technical committees should be directed to
Commandant (G-MTH).
c.
All ABS Rule changes and Circulars which may impact upon Coast Guard policy or
agreements between the Coast Guard and ABS are reviewed at Coast Guard Headquarters
prior to publication.
d.
The Marine Safety Center (MSC) and the Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI's)
are charged with conducting oversight of plan review performed by ABS on behalf of the
Coast Guard. Direct liaison with ABS, in particular the Ship Engineering Division and the
Offshore Engineering Division, is essential to the timely and effective discharge of this
oversight responsibility.
e.
Contact at the field level with ABS surveyors by the OCMI and the District Commander
(m) is essential to the timely and effective discharge of inspection oversight
responsibilities as well as for training of Coast Guard inspection personnel.
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