The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for inspection and plan review performed on US-flagged commercial cargo vessels by NCB on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Under the MOA which was signed on July 20, NCB will perform functions such as the inspection of cargo loading, cargo securing and stowage, approval of grain loading manuals, issuance of grain loading certificates and certification of intermodal cargo containers.
NCB has performed work on behalf of the Coast Guard since it was established in 1952.
As informed, the establishment of a formal MOA with NCB was prompted by the recently enacted International Maritime Organization (IMO) Code for Recognized Organizations.
The new agreement outlines specific operating standards for organizations such as NCB including record keeping, quality management systems, training and qualification of personnel, liability, and governmental oversight of activities.