Marine Safety Center Technical Note - U.S. Coast Guard

Appendix C
Discussion Of Changes
MTN 01-98 CH-11
Tonnage Administrative Policy
APPENDIX C
DISCUSSION OF CHANGES
1. Section 1.2 - Description of Process This section was revised to clarify that the tonnage certification
process begins with the submittal of the application for measurement services, and to align the description of
the tonnage certification process with the changes in Sections 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8.
2. Section 1.3 - General Requirements This section was expanded to provide additional information
related to the tonnage certification process. Requirements for the handling of applications for measurement
services were added, including provisions for accepting, rejecting, or rescinding applications for such
services. The section was also revised to address remeasurement determinations and correction of
discrepancies under provisions of 46 CFR 69.19, requiring written notification to the owner for the case
where a remeasurement is deemed necessary, and identifying the role of the MSC in coordinating follow-up
actions to resolve identified discrepancies. Collectively, these revisions are intended to clarify tonnage
measurement roles and responsibilities, and help ensure that required measurement actions are completed.
While the tonnage consultant language remains part of this section, the section has been renamed “General
Requirements” for consistency with the other changes.
3. Section 1.5 - Tonnage Certificate Issuance This section was revised to add a new 30 day requirement
for issuance, or reissuance, of tonnage certificates following the completion of the onboard survey. The
revision is intended to help ensure that the certification process is completed in a timely manner, and that the
MSC is notified if circumstances preclude such timely completion.
4. Section 1.8 - Reissuance of Tonnage Certificates For clarity, this section was revised to specifically
invoke the initial certificate issuance requirements (i.e., Sections 1.5 through 1.7) when reissuing tonnage
certificates.
5. Section 1.8(e) - Onboard Survey This section was added to identify the circumstances under which an
onboard survey is required in conjunction with the reissuance of a tonnage certificate, and the extent to which
such a survey must be carried out, based on language from Title 46, United States Code, 14304(a) and
14504(a).
6. Section 2.3(f) - Authorization Signature and Seal This section was revised to clarify that only an
exclusive employee of a measurement organization may sign tonnage certificates as an authorized official,
consistent with the action of MSC letter C3-1203716, dated September 12, 2012.
7. Section 3.3(f) - Authorization Signature and Seal This section was revised for consistency with the
changes made in Section 2.3(f).
8. Section 3.4(b)(4) - Builder This section was revised to clarify that an individual may be listed as a
builder, as in the case of a backyard built vessel.
9. Section 3.3(b)(8) - Date Keel Laid/Vessel Altered This section was revised to further clarify that only
the most recent substantial alteration date should be listed in the “Date Keel Laid/Vessel Altered” block of the
U.S. Tonnage Certificate.
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