(a) An owner or operator of a U.S. flag vessel, which is subject to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, (SOLAS), must be in compliance with the applicable requirements of SOLAS Chapter XI-1, SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, part A (Incorporated by reference, see § 101.115 of this subchapter).

(b) Owners or operators of U.S. flag vessels that are required to comply with SOLAS, must ensure an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) as provided in 46 CFR § 2.01-25 is obtained for the vessel. This certificate must be issued by the Coast Guard.

(c) Owners or operators of vessels that require an ISSC in paragraph (b) of this section must request an inspection in writing, at least 30 days prior to the desired inspection date to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection for the Marine Inspection Office or Sector Office of the port where the vessel will be inspected to verify compliance with this part and applicable SOLAS requirements. The inspection must be completed and the initial ISSC must be issued on or before July 1, 2004.