Maritime Safety Equipment & Legal Compliance: A 2026 B2B Operational Guide for U.S. Fleet Operators

For commercial fleet operators, vessel owners, and maritime logistics executives running routes in U.S. waters, regulatory compliance is a critical driver of profitability and operational continuity. Non-compliance leads directly to United States Coast Guard (USCG) Form CG-835 detentions, expensive port delays, denied insurance claims, and multi-million-dollar liabilities under federal maritime law.

This operational manual breaks down 2026 maritime safety equipment mandates, legal compliance under the Jones Act, environmental standards, and proactive risk mitigation strategies designed to keep commercial fleets fully operational and compliant.

1. Statutory Foundations: Federal Enforcement Architecture

Commercial vessel operations within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are governed by overlapping statutory authorities:

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                               │   U.S. Maritime Compliance Oversight     │

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┌──────────────────────────────┐      ┌──────────────────────────────┐      ┌──────────────────────────────┐

│  United States Coast Guard   │      │ International Treaties (IMO) │      │  Statutory & Legal Frameworks │

│         (USCG / CFR)         │      │     (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW)    │      │ (Merchant Marine / Jones Act)│

└──────────────┬───────────────┘      └──────────────┬───────────────┘      └──────────────┬───────────────┘

               │                                     │                                     │

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┌──────────────────────────────┐      ┌──────────────────────────────┐      ┌──────────────────────────────┐

│  • 33 & 46 CFR Inspections   │      │  • Life-Saving Appliances    │      │  • U.S. Flag & Crew Mandates │

│  • Port State Control (PSC)  │      │  • Environmental (ECA/APPS)  │      │  • Jones Act Negligence     │

│  • COFR & VRP Certification  │      │  • SMS & Flag State Audits   │      │  • Absolute Unseaworthiness  │

└──────────────────────────────┘      └──────────────────────────────┘      └──────────────────────────────┘

Key Federal Regulators and Rules

• Title 33 CFR (Navigation and Navigable Waters): Enforces vessel response plans, pollution prevention, ballast water management, and navigation rules.

Safe Boating America

• Title 46 CFR (Shipping Standards): Dictates commercial vessel inspection protocols, certification standards (Certificate of Inspection / COI), safety equipment carriage rules, and crewing mandates.
• The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104): Grants injured seafarers a statutory negligence cause of action against employer operators under a legal standard of "slightest causation."
• The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness: Imposes an absolute, non-delegable duty on shipowners to provide a vessel, equipment, and crew complement that are reasonably fit for their intended marine service.

2. Mandatory Maritime Safety Equipment Standards (2026 Fleet Specs)

USCG and International Maritime Organization (IMO) SOLAS regulations outline strict safety gear requirements based on vessel classification, tonnage, and route. Equipment must be USCG-approved, fully operational, and immediately accessible.

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│                          Core Fleet Safety Equipment Modules                           │

├───────────────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────┤

│    Life-Saving Appliances     │   Fire Protection Systems     │    Emergency Comms     │

│       (46 CFR Subch. W)       │     (SOLAS / 46 CFR)          │    (GMDSS / 47 CFR)    │

├───────────────────────────────┼───────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────┤

│ • Type I PFDs / SOLAS Suits   │ • Fixed CO2/Clean Agent Systems│ • 406 MHz EPIRB (Cat 1)│

│ • Inflatable Liferafts + HRUs │ • UL 5-B / 20-B Extinguishers │ • AIS Search & Rescue  │

│ • SOLAS Ring Buoys w/ Lights  │ • SCBA / EEBD Breathing Sets  │ • GMDSS VHF Marine Radios│

└───────────────────────────────┴───────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┘

Safety Equipment Category	Regulatory Standard	Commercial Operational Requirement	Inspection / Servicing Schedule
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)	USCG Approved / SOLAS LSA Code	Type I Commercial PFDs or SOLAS Immersion Suits for 100% of crew complement plus bridge/watch stations.	Monthly visual inspection; annual inflation mechanism servicing.
Inflatable Liferafts & Hydrostatic Releases	46 CFR Subchapter W / SOLAS Ch. III	Capacity for 100% to 200% on-board complement depending on vessel class and trade area.	Annual servicing at an authorized USCG/SOLAS service station; HRU replacement per expiry.
Fixed Fire Suppression Systems	SOLAS Ch. II-2 / 46 CFR Subchapter M	Total flooding CO2, Novec 1230, or water-mist systems protecting engine rooms and machinery spaces.	Semi-annual agent weigh-ins; annual system certification; 5/10-year cylinder hydro-testing.
Portable Fire Extinguishers	USCG Approved / UL Ratings	UL-rated 5-B or 20-B commercial marine units scaled by engine horsepower and compartment size.	Monthly visual pressure checks; annual professional servicing; 6-year internal inspection.
Emergency Radio Equipment	GMDSS / FCC 47 CFR Part 80	Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB, SART/AIS-SART transponders, dual VHF GMDSS handhelds.	Monthly EPIRB self-test; annual operational test; battery replacement prior to expiration.

3. Environmental Compliance: Ballast, VRP, and OPA 90

Operating in U.S. coastal waters requires full compliance with strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and USCG environmental mandates:

Ballast Water Management (33 CFR Part 151)

• Type-Approved Systems: Commercial vessels discharging ballast water must operate a USCG Type-Approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS).
• NBIC Reporting: mandatory electronic submission of ballast water management logs to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) at least 6 hours prior to arrival at a U.S. port.

Vessel Response Plans (VRP) & COFR (33 CFR Part 155)

• Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSRO): Tank and non-tank vessels >400 GT must maintain executed contracts with USCG-approved OSROs for emergency spill mitigation.
• Salvage & Marine Firefighting (SMFF): Mandatory pre-arranged contractual coverage for salvage, heavy lifting, and marine firefighting services.
• Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR): Issued by the USCG National Pollution Funds Center under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), demonstrating financial capability to pay for potential cleanup and damage claims.

4. Comprehensive Jones Act Compliance & Risk Mitigation Checklist

Integrate this phase-by-phase operational checklist directly into your fleet’s Safety Management System (SMS) to protect crew members and reduce liability exposure.

Phase 1: Crew Credentials & Seaman Status Audits

• [ ] 30% Service Rule Verification: Confirm crew members meet the legal test for seaman status (spending at least 30% of working time in service of a vessel in navigation).
• [ ] MMC & STCW Audits: Ensure all crew hold valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) with current STCW endorsements for their assigned billets.
• [ ] Pre-Employment Medical Exams (PEMEs): Conduct role-specific physicals and baseline Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) to document pre-existing health conditions.
• [ ] Drug & Alcohol Testing (46 CFR Part 16): Enforce USCG-mandated chemical testing programs including pre-employment, random, serious marine incident (SMI), and reasonable cause testing.

Phase 2: Vessel Seaworthiness & Deck Hazard Control

• [ ] Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention: Maintain non-skid coatings on all weather decks, walkways, and companionways. Enforce immediate cleanup of oil and water spills.
• [ ] Rigging & Heavy Lifting Gear Log: Maintain certified logbooks for all cranes, winches, wire ropes, blocks, and tackle. Ensure load testing is certified per OSHA/USCG rules.
• [ ] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Enforce task-appropriate PPE (impact gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, Type I/III PFDs, fall protection harnesses).
• [ ] Machinery Guarding & LOTO: Verify all rotating shafts, belts, and moving machinery feature secure physical guards. Enforce strict Lockout/Tagout protocols during repairs.

Phase 3: Operational Risk & Safety Management System (SMS)

• [ ] Job Safety Analyses (JSAs): Require mandatory JSA completion prior to non-routine or dangerous activities (e.g., heavy lifts, enclosed space entry, hot work).
• [ ] Near-Miss Reporting Program: Operate a non-punitive near-miss reporting culture to identify and fix physical and procedural hazards before injuries occur.
• [ ] Enclosed Space Entry Safety: Enforce atmospheric testing, forced-air ventilation, and dedicated standby watch personnel per 29 CFR 1915 / 46 CFR rules.
• [ ] Bridge & Engine Room Watchkeeping: Enforce strict fatigue management plans and rest-hour logs to prevent human error caused by exhaustion.

Phase 4: Post-Incident Response & Claims Protocols

• [ ] Immediate Unrestricted Medical Care: Provide prompt access to professional medical care following any shipboard injury. Never restrict an injured seaman’s choice of treating physician.
• [ ] USCG Form CG-2692 Filing: Submit Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Casualty) within 5 days for qualifying incidents.
• [ ] Evidence Preservation: Isolate and secure the incident site, take high-resolution photographs, lock down involved equipment, and collect detailed witness statements.
• [ ] Maintenance & Cure Administration: Initiate daily living stipends (maintenance) and medical expense coverage (cure) promptly upon notice of injury to prevent claims for arbitrary denial.

5. Maintenance & Cure Administration Matrix

Under general maritime law, vessel operators must provide medical care ("cure") and daily living stipends ("maintenance") to injured seafarers regardless of fault.

Administrative Pillar	Operator Obligation	Critical Risk / Pitfall to Avoid
Selecting Treating Physicians	The seafarer has the legal right to choose their treating physician.	Do not force the employee to see only company doctors; doing so can be deemed legal interference.
Calculating Maintenance Rates	Pay a daily rate that reflects the seaman's actual room and board expenses (housing, utilities, food).	Avoid using outdated standard rates (e.g., $8/day); courts routinely award actual documented expenses ($30–$100+/day).
Timing of Cure Payments	Pay all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to the injury without delay.	Delaying approval for necessary surgeries or diagnostic tests can trigger punitive damages and attorney fee awards.
Determining End of Benefits	Continue payments until the treating physician certifies the seaman has reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).	Stopping benefits simply because an employee files a lawsuit or takes a temporary land job is legally impermissible.

6. Deep Dive FAQ: Long-Tail Compliance & Legal Insights

What are maritime laws, and how do they govern commercial vessel operations in the United States?

Maritime laws encompass distinct federal statutes, general maritime legal principles, and international treaties that govern nautical activities, navigation, marine commerce, and ocean resource management. In the U.S., Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution grants federal courts jurisdiction over maritime matters. Operational enforcement is managed by the USCG, federal agencies, and international bodies like the IMO.

What is the primary difference between a maritime lawyer and a traditional personal injury attorney?

A maritime lawyer specializes in admiralty jurisdiction, general maritime law, federal statutes like the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). Traditional personal injury attorneys focus on state tort law, which does not apply on navigable waters or within maritime employment contracts.

Which maritime code requires shipping companies to investigate incidents to increase safety?

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code (enforced via SOLAS Chapter IX) requires shipping companies to implement a Safety Management System (SMS). The ISM Code mandates systematic procedures for reporting, analyzing, and investigating accidents and non-conformities to prevent recurrence and improve operational safety.

What is maritime security, and how does it affect U.S. commercial port operations?

Maritime security involves protecting vessels, ports, and offshore infrastructure against illegal acts, terrorism, piracy, and smuggling. In the U.S., the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code govern security standards. Requirements include background checks via Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC), facility security plans, and vessel security assessments.

How do USCG commercial vessel safety equipment requirements differ based on vessel type?

USCG safety equipment specifications vary according to vessel tonnage, service classification (e.g., passenger, cargo, towing), and trading area (coastwise vs. ocean-going). Larger ocean-going cargo vessels require approved SOLAS liferafts, immersion suits for all crew members, fixed fire suppression systems, and GMDSS communication suites. Smaller coastwise vessels follow Title 46 CFR Subchapter C, T, or M guidelines, which allow scaled equipment configurations based on route distance from shore.

What are the financial consequences of non-compliance with USCG or MARPOL regulations in U.S. waters?

Non-compliance can result in:

• Operational Suspension: USCG issues Form CG-835 detentions, preventing the vessel from sailing until deficiencies are rectified.
• Civil and Criminal Fines: MARPOL violations prosecuted under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) carry criminal fines exceeding millions of dollars and potential imprisonment for responsible officers.
• Commercial Losses: Heavy demurrage charges, loss of charterer contracts, and potential denial of P&I insurance coverage.

Post-Incident Evidence Preservation Protocol for Commercial Vessel Captains

When a shipboard injury occurs, the captain’s primary duties are ensuring crew safety and securing medical care. Immediately following stabilization, the priority shifts to evidence preservation and official reporting.

Under United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations (46 CFR Part 4) and general maritime law, proper documentation protects the vessel operator against arbitrary Jones Act claims, unseaworthiness allegations, and civil fines.

This step-by-step protocol outlines the exact sequence a captain must follow immediately after a shipboard injury.

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                       │   SHIPBOARD INJURY INCIDENT OCCURS           │

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                       │ PHASE 1: Emergency Care & Immediate Containment│

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                       │ PHASE 2: Site Lock-Down & Physical Evidence  │

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                       │ PHASE 3: Statements, Logbooks & Digital Data │

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                       ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐

                       │ PHASE 4: Mandatory USCG & Regulatory Filings │

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1.Medical Stabilization & Immediate Scene Containment:Primary duty: Life safety & immediate hazard isolation.

1. Render First Aid & Evacuation: Provide immediate onboard medical care. If required, contact the USCG District Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) or designated Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service (TMAS) to arrange Medevac.
2. Treat Choice of Physician Requirements: Document that the crew member was informed of their legal right to choose their treating physician under general maritime law.
3. Freeze the Incident Scene: Bar all non-essential personnel from entering the area where the incident occurred. Do not clean, alter, or repair equipment, decks, or tools until full evidence collection is complete, unless necessary to prevent further emergency loss of life or vessel stability.

2.Physical Evidence Preservation & Lock-Down:Preventing spoliation of evidence and strict liability claims.

1. Isolate Machinery & Tools: If a specific tool, cable, winch, or piece of machinery was involved, immediately remove it from service. Place a physical Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) tag on the equipment labeled "DO NOT OPERATE - EVIDENCE PRESERVATION."
2. Secure Broken Components: Retain broken wires, snapped line segments, failed valves, or worn PPE in a clean, dry, sealed evidence bag or container. Label the container with the date, time, vessel name, and captain's signature.
3. Photographic & Video Documentation: Take comprehensive high-resolution photographs and videos before anything is moved:
• Wide Shots: Show the overall context, lighting conditions, weather, and general deck state.
• Medium Shots: Show the spatial relationship between the injured person's workstation, safety barriers, and gear.
• Close-Up Shots: Capture serial numbers, non-skid deck conditions, fluid spills, broken welds, or warning labels.
• Control Standard: Include a scale (e.g., a tape measure or standard pen) in close-up photographs.

3.Digital & Telemetry Data Preservation:Securing electronic records before auto-overwrite cycles.

1. Preserve VDR/S-VDR Records: If the vessel is equipped with a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), initiate an immediate manual save/freeze command to prevent radar, audio, and sensor data from being overwritten (often within 12–48 hours).
2. Archive CCTV Footprints: Immediately export and backup all CCTV camera footage covering 2 hours prior to and 2 hours after the incident.
3. Export Sensor Logs: Download electronic engine room logs, weather station logs, GPS track lines, and ship motion logs (pitch/roll/heave).

4.Witness Statements & Logbook Entries:Contemporaneous documentation carries the highest evidentiary weight.

1. Collect Written Statements: Obtain signed, dated written statements from all eyewitnesses and crew members working the same watch. Statements must reflect first-hand observations only (facts, not speculation or opinion).
2. Log Official Deck & Engine Entries: Make factual, contemporaneous entries in the Official Deck Logbook and Engine Room Logbook detailing:
• Date, time (UTC and local), and precise vessel position (latitude/longitude).
• Exact weather, sea state, visibility, and vessel motion conditions.
• Names and credentials of the injured party and witnesses.
• Summary of first aid rendered and TMAS advice received.
• Note: Avoid writing speculative entries regarding fault or cause in official logbooks.
3. Secure Pre-Task Documentation: Collect and lock down the pre-shift Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Permitted Work Forms (Hot Work / Enclosed Space), and the relevant safety briefing sign-in logs for that shift.

5.Regulatory Reporting & Shore-Side Notification:Maintaining compliance with federal marine casualty rules.

1. Notify Company Qualified Individual (QI): Immediately contact the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and company legal counsel via secure phone or encrypted email.
2. Assess Mandatory USCG Reporting Criteria: Determine if the event constitutes a Serious Marine Incident (SMI) under 46 CFR 4.03-2 (e.g., injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of life, or damage exceeding statutory thresholds).
3. Mandatory Chemical Testing: For SMI events, perform mandatory USCG drug and alcohol testing (46 CFR 4.06):
• Alcohol Testing: Must be conducted within 2 hours (maximum 8 hours).
• Drug Testing: Urine collection must occur within 32 hours.
4. File Form CG-2692: Prepare and submit USCG Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Casualty, Commercial Diving Incident, or OCS-Related Casualty) within 5 days of the incident.

Evidence Preservation Checklist Matrix

Use this quick-reference matrix aboard the vessel to ensure no critical evidence step is missed:

Target Category	Preservation Action	Primary Risk of Non-Compliance
Physical Machinery / Tools	Apply LOTO tag; store in secure locker; do not repair until cleared by legal/USCG.	Spoliation of evidence defense failure; automatic finding of Unseaworthiness.
CCTV / VDR Records	Execute manual VDR freeze within 2 hours; export video to external flash drive.	Overwriting of critical digital evidence; adverse jury inference instructions.
Pre-Task JSAs & Logs	Photocopy and lock original copies of pre-shift safety briefs and watch logs.	Inability to prove employer acted with reasonable care under Jones Act rules.
SMI Drug & Alcohol Tests	Conduct breath test within 2 hrs; urine collection within 32 hrs using USCG chain of custody.	Civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation; invalidation of marine insurance coverage.

 

USCG Form CG-2692 Completion Guide for Commercial Vessel Captains

Filing USCG Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Casualty, Commercial Diving Incident, or OCS-Related Casualty) is a mandatory federal requirement following a qualifying marine incident. Under 46 CFR Part 4, the vessel master, owner, or designated agent must submit this form to the nearest USCG Sector / Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) within 5 days of the incident.

Accurate completion is critical: statements on Form CG-2692 become official federal records used by Coast Guard investigators, marine insurers, and admiralty courts.

Pre-Filing Threshold: Does Your Incident Require Form CG-2692?

Under 46 CFR § 4.05-1, you must file if the incident involves any of the following:

• An unintended grounding or strike with a bridge/structure.
• Loss of main propulsion, primary steering, or essential maneuvering systems that impairs vessel control.
• An occurrence materially affecting seaworthiness or fitness for service (e.g., fire, flooding, structural hull damage).
• Loss of life or injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
• Property damage exceeding $75,000 (including labor and material costs).
• Significant harm to the environment (oil/hazardous substance discharge).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Filling Out Form CG-2692

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                           │   USCG FORM CG-2692 STRUCTURE OVERVIEW   │

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┌───────────────────────────┐      ┌───────────────────────────┐      ┌───────────────────────────┐

│     SECTIONS I & II       │      │    SECTIONS III & IV      │      │     SECTIONS V & VI       │

│ Vessel & Incident Info    │      │ Nature of Casualty & Loss │      │ Witnesses & Signature     │

└───────────────────────────┘      └───────────────────────────┘      └───────────────────────────┘

1

Section I: Vessel Information

Block 1 through Block 12

1.Section I: Vessel Information:Block 1 through Block 12.

1. Block 1 (Vessel Name): Enter the official registered name of the vessel as shown on the Certificate of Inspection (COI) or Certificate of Documentation (COD).
2. Block 2 (Official Number / IMO Number): Provide the USCG Official Number or 7-digit IMO Number.
3. Block 3 & 4 (Vessel Type & Flag): Specify the commercial service classification (e.g., Towing Vessel, Offshore Supply, Container Ship) and registry state (United States).
4. Block 5 & 6 (Gross Tonnage & Year Built): Enter GRT/GT and construction year.
5. Block 7–12 (Owner & Operator Details): List the legal owner, operating company, and Designated Person Ashore (DPA) contact details.

2

Section II: Incident Details & Environment

Block 13 through Block 20

2.Section II: Incident Details & Environment:Block 13 through Block 20.

1. Block 13 (Date & Time of Incident): Record the exact date and time (specify local or UTC).
2. Block 14 & 15 (Location of Incident): Provide latitude/longitude, body of water, and nearest U.S. port or landmark.
3. Block 16–19 (Environmental Conditions): State weather, wind speed/direction, sea state, wave height, visibility, and tidal flow at the exact moment of occurrence.
4. Block 20 (Voyage Phase): Check the applicable status (Underway, Moored, Anchored, Loading/Unloading).

3

Section III: Nature of Casualty & Loss

Block 21 through Block 28

3.Section III: Nature of Casualty & Loss:Block 21 through Block 28.

1. Block 21 (Primary Casualty Category): Select all applicable boxes (Collision, Grounding, Fire/Explosion, Material/Equipment Failure, Personnel Injury, Pollution).
2. Block 22 (Property Damage Estimate): Estimate total physical damage costs to the vessel, cargo, and impacted structures. If unknown, state "Under Assessment"—do not guess high or low.
3. Block 23–25 (Personnel Casualties): Record total counts for injuries requiring care beyond first aid, missing persons, and fatalities.

4

Section IV: Description of Casualty Narrative

Block 29 (The Critical Narrative Box)

4.Section IV: Description of Casualty Narrative:Block 29 (The Critical Narrative Box).

1. Stick to Factual Chronology: Write a clear, objective narrative describing what happened, when it happened, and what actions were taken.
2. Use Factual Language Only: State verifiable facts ("At 1410, Towing Line A parted while under strain"). Avoid opinion, speculation, or self-blame ("Line A failed because deck crew was negligent").
3. Include Emergency Response: Detail immediate mitigation steps, emergency response maneuvers, first aid rendered, and notification times to USCG/TMAS.

5

Section V & VI: Personnel, Witnesses & Master Signature

Block 30 through Block 36

5.Section V & VI: Personnel, Witnesses & Master Signature:Block 30 through Block 36.

1. Witness Identification: List names, titles, merchant mariner credential (MMC) numbers, phone numbers, and addresses for key witnesses.
2. Master / Person in Charge Certification: Sign, date, and print your full legal name and official title (Master / Captain).

Required Addendums (CG-2692A through CG-2692D)

In addition to the main form, attach the specific addendums required for your incident type:

Addendum Form	Title / Trigger Event	Purpose & Key Content
CG-2692A	Barge Information	Filed whenever the casualty involves barges or towed vessels without independent propulsion.
CG-2692B	Report of Mandatory Chemical Testing Following Serious Marine Incident (SMI)	Mandatory when an SMI occurs. Records chain-of-custody for alcohol (within 2 hrs) and drug testing (within 32 hrs).
CG-2692C	Personnel Casualty Supplement	Filed for individual crew or passenger injuries or fatalities. Captures medical treatment details.
CG-2692D	Witness Statement Supplement	Optional supplemental sheet for expanding individual witness statements or lengthy casualty narratives.

Critical Rules for Captains

• 5-Day Filing Clock: Ensure the form reaches the local USCG Sector OCMI within 5 calendar days.
• Coordinate with DPA & Legal Counsel: Review the draft narrative with your company’s legal counsel or Designated Person Ashore (DPA) before final submission.
• Preserve Logbooks: Ensure Deck, Engine, and Bridge logbook entries match the timeline recorded on Form CG-2692.
• Keep Onboard Copies: Retain signed copies of CG-2692 and all addendums in the vessel’s permanent safety management records.