On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CVC) published CG CVC-WI-034(1), Requests for Inspected Vessels to Participate in Disaster Relief Operations. This Work Instruction provides guidance on permitting vessels to operate beyond the scope of their Certificate of Inspection when supporting disaster relief operations.
The Coast Guard recognizes that an emergency increase in maritime transport capability (sealift capacity) is an efficient and effective means to provide relief supplies following natural disasters such as hurricane damage.
Generally, vessels operating within the conditions outlined in their COI do not need additional permission from the Coast Guard to engage in relief operations. However, in situations where additional vessels are needed to support disaster relief efforts, vessels attempting to operate beyond the scope of their COI may require additional administrative determination and/or an onboard inspection from the Coast Guard.
For these vessels, the Feb. 5, 2026 Work Instruction details the procedures for these vessels to participate in disaster relief operations, as well as how “vessels of opportunity” can secure their validating qualifications from the Coast Guard.
Inspected vessels can be used in relief efforts for various tasks, including transporting personnel, survivors, and goods, delivering fuel and water, providing emergency berthing and meals, and supporting port recovery.
The most recent Coast Guard policy letter on this topic issued on October 10, 2024 expired on January 31, 2025. CG CVC-WI-034(1) replaces it.
To read CG CVC-WI-034(1), click HERE.
The Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) develops and maintains policy and standards to achieve marine safety, security, and stewardship mission success. The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance includes policy experts in domestic, foreign, and fishing vessels.
The most recent U.S. Maritime Emergency Response Guide was published in 2015 and details the Maritime Administration responsibilities in providing surge sealift during national emergencies or war.
Guice Offshore Salvage and Disaster Response
Guice Offshore brings substantial experience in supporting inspection and repair activities following disaster events along with assisting in marine salvage, a broadly defined industry that encompasses rescue towing, putting out fires, patching or repairing a ship, refloating a sunken or grounded vessel, moving a disabled vessel in order to clear navigation channels, and raising sunken ships or their cargo.
The versatility of the GO mini-supply vessel fleet is well-suited for many of these roles. In fact, Guice Offshore has supported the needs of salvage operations, and even treasure hunting projects.
Our affiliate, GO Asset Leasing, has a comprehensive inventory of maritime heavy equipment for marine debris cleanup and salvage available for immediate lease.
