U.S. Coast Guard announces availability of updated NVIC on use of electronic charts in lieu of paper charts

In a notice posted in the Federal Register, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the availability of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-16 Change 2, which was issued May 21, 2020, together with a Deregulatory Savings Analysis. NVIC 01-16 Change 2 allows for U.S.-flagged vessels to use previously downloaded, electronic copies of Inland Navigation Rules and Vessel Traffic Service Rules, and to access voyage planning navigation publications electronically, including through underway connectivity, to meet domestic carriage and International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea certification requirements.

The complete announcement, including the Coast Guard's responses to comments on the NVIC, is available online.

NVIC 01-16 Change 2 is available via a link associated with the announcement and can be accessed directly in the government docket.