33 CFR § 96.350 - Interim Document of Compliance certificate: what is it and when can it be used?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s96.350"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 96.350 - Interim Document of Compliance certificate: what is it and when can it be used?"
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "96.350"
section_name: "Interim Document of Compliance certificate: what is it and when can it be used?"
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "F"
subchapter_name: "VESSEL OPERATING REGULATIONS"
part_number: "96"
part_name: "RULES FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF VESSELS AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 3201 et. seq.; 46 U.S.C. 3103; 46 U.S.C. 3316; 33 U.S.C. 1231."
regulatory_source: "CGD 95-073, 62 FR 67506, Dec. 24, 1997, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "96"
---


# 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.