CFR > Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters > CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER F—VESSEL OPERATING REGULATIONS (parts 95 to 96) > PART 96—RULES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF VESSELS AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS > SUBPART C—How Will Safety Management Systems Be Certificated and Enforced? (§96.300 to §96.390) > 96.350—Interim Document of Compliance certificate: what is it and when can it be used?

96.350—Interim Document of Compliance certificate: what is it and when can it be used?

(a) An Interim Document of Compliance certificate may be issued to help set up a company's safety management system when—
(1) A company is newly set up or in transition from an existing company into a new company; or
(2) A new type of vessel is added to an existing safety management system and Document of Compliance certificate for a company.
(b) A responsible person for a company operating a U.S. vessel(s) that meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, may send a request to a recognized organization authorized to act on behalf of the U.S. to receive an Interim Document of Compliance certificate that is valid for a period up to 12 months. To be issued the Interim Document of Compliance certificate the vessel's company must—
(1) Demonstrate to an auditor that the company has a safety management system that meets § 96.230 of this part; and
(2) Provide a plan for full implementation of a safety management system within the period that the Interim Document of Compliance certificate is valid.