47 JUNE 2026 Some examples where a major con- version determination could be made include: • Converting a non-passenger car- rying vessel to a passenger or small passenger vessel • Adding a mid-body • Gutting a vessel and replacing/ updating all components PREVIOUS CONFUSION The Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Manual, Volume II, provides language cited in the work instruction stating “A vessel whose COI has lapsed may be required to meet inspection for cer- tification requirements as a new vessel as determined to be appropriate by the OCMI. Per reference (b) [the Marine Safety Manual], the OCMI may re- quire a formerly certificated vessel to be inspected as a new vessel.” This has resulted in OCMIs defaulting to the new vessel determination more often than not. Fortunately, we now have qualify- ing language that follows the above guidance “A previously certificated vessel does not automatically qualify as an ‘existing’ vessel, nor does it au- tomatically become a ‘new’ one when returning to service. This status will be determined by the OCMI, who will consider all relevant factors, par- ticularly structural modifications or extended periods out of service.” RETURNING A VESSEL TO PASSENGER SERVICE If the owner or operator of a vessel with a previously surrendered or lapsed COI seeks to return the vessel to service, they need to submit an Ap- plication for Inspection of U.S. Vessel (Form CG-3752) to the local OCMI and schedule a Coast Guard Marine Inspector to attend the vessel. If the vessel has a new owner, that owner should notify the local OCMI of the change in ownership. The local OCMI will determine ap- plicable standards prior to issuing of a new COI. According to the revised work instruction, when determining the applicability of existing or new standards for a previously laid-up ves- sel, the local OCMI should consider the following: 1. Existing or planned modifications that may result in the determina- tion of a major conversion, per 46 U.S.C. § 2101;
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