46 CFR §28.76
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
An organization desiring to be designated by the Commandant as a similarly qualified organization must request such designation in writing. As a minimum the organization must verify that it—
- (a)Publishes standards for vessel design and construction which are as widely available as and which are of similar content to the standards published by the ABS;
- (b)Performs periodic surveys in a wide range of localities during and after construction to ensure compliance with published standards, including drydock examinations, in a manner similar to the ABS;
- (c)Issues certificates testifying to compliance with the published standards;
- (d)Has as its primary concern the survey and classification of vessels;
- (e)Has no interest in owning or operating fishing, fish processing, or fish tender vessels; and
- (f)Maintains records of surveys and makes such records available to the Coast Guard upon request in a manner similar to the ABS.