(a) Either a classification society authorized under 46 CFR part 8, or the Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, issues an IMO Certificate to a U.S. flag vessel when requested by the owner or representative, if—

(1) The vessel meets the requirements of this part; and

(2) It is a new gas vessel, it meets the IMO Resolution A.328(IX), “Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, 1975”; or

(3) It is an existing gas vessel, it meets the IMO “Code for Existing Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, 1975”.

(b) The IMO Certificate expires on the same date that the vessel's Certificate of Inspection expires.

[CGD 77-069, 52 FR 31626, Aug. 21, 1987, as amended by CGD 95-010, 62 FR 67537, Dec. 24, 1997]