Auto carriers
are extremely large, complex vessels. As such, there are a numerous, detailed
regulations by which car carrier companies and operators must abide.
Types
of Auto Carriers
Car carriers
are unique vessels that feature a box-like superstructure. Many fully enclose
the cargo and have the capacity to hold thousands of vehicles. They also
typically have dual ramps for faster loading and have extensive automatic fire
control systems.
Some of the vessels considered car
carriers include:
- roll-on/roll-off
ships (ro-ros);
- ferries;
- cargo ships;
- cruise ferries;
- certain barges;
- pure car carriers
(PCC;) and
- pure car/truck
carriers (PCTC).
The
Complexities of Auto Transport Carrier Regulations
The U.S. Coast
Guard and international governing agencies impose detailed regulations for each
type of vessel in operation. Car carriers are unique in nature. They are not
only cargo vessels, but they also carry combustible materials, heavy cargo and
passengers. Each of these distinctions has its own set of exclusive
regulations.
For instance, a car carrier might be
subject to:
- 49 CFR 176.905, Stowage
of motor vehicles or mechanical equipment;
- 46 CFR 111.105-40, Additional
requirements for RO/RO vessels;
- 49 CFR 173.220, Internal
combustion engines, self-propelled vehicles, mechanical equipment
containing internal combustion engines, battery-powered equipment or
machinery, fuel cell-powered equipment or machinery;
- 29 CFR 1918, Safety
and Health Regulations for Longshoring; and
- other construction,
safety, labor, logging and navigation procedures and protocols.
The USCG
explains that vessel owners – including car carriers – will be expected to adhere to a certain set of standards
that pertain to:
- commercial regulations;
- design and
engineering;
- operation and
environmental standards;
- inspection and
evaluations;
- Marine Safety
Center guidelines; and
- International
Maritime Organization guidelines.
Obtaining Help for Adhering to USCG
Regulations for Auto Carriers
Given the
enormity and complexities of federal and national rules and regulations, many
car carrier companies seek our professional independent expert advisory
services to ensure their operators are up to snuff.
If you decide
to enlist in the services of an advisory organization, select one that not only will ensure your auto carriers are up to code,
but one that also will:
- advise you about
your hull design and system arrangement;
- help you optimize
your hull to reduce resistance and fuel consumption;
- ensure you select
equipment approved for safe cargo handling and securement;
- make sure your
systems and material take manufacturing standards, weight and fire resistance
into consideration; and
- ensure your construction
methods are handled safely and cost-efficiently.
Helpful Resources for Car
Carrier Owners and Operators
You can
contact the appropriate department with the USCG for further assistance. A few helpful points of contact include:
- the Director of
Commercial Regulations & Standards, 202-372-1351;
- the Office of
Design & Engineering Standards, 202-372-1353; and
- the Marine Safety
Center, 703-872-6729.
You also can
find many helpful industry articles on My Vessel
Logs blog, a widely read blog published by MET, a company
serving the marine industry for nearly 45 years. Check out our free guide
to learn which logbooks you might need for your vessel.