Coast Guard defines ‘international voyage’

Coast Guard defines ‘international voyage’    The U.S. Coast Guard has issued an interpretation of the phrase “international voyage” in the context of maritime security regulations.
   “For purposes of vessel security, the Coast Guard will consider that each voyage of a U.S. vessel originates at a port in the United States, regardless of when the voyage actually began,” the Coast Guard noted.
   “Such a voyage is considered to continue until such a time as the U.S.-flagged vessel returns to the United States. U.S. vessels operating from a foreign port will be considered to be on an international voyage,” the Coast Guard said.
   “Therefore, each U.S. vessel that otherwise meets the applicable tonnage requirements in SOLAS and is operating in waters of another country must meet International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements and obtain an International Ship Security Clearance (ISSC),” the Coast Guard said.
   The interpretation is effective immediately. Public comments may be submitted to the Coast Guard by July 6. For more information, contact Andrea M. Jenkins at (202) 366-0271.