🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR Subchapter T and other inspection subchapters that discuss Certificate of Inspection (COI) validity • Difference between inspection interval (how often USCG inspects) and expiration term (how long the COI remains valid) • Typical COI cycle for small passenger and inspected vessels under U.S. flag

💭 Think About

• Think about how often the Coast Guard practically reinspects most inspected vessels—would it be every year, every few years, or much longer? • Consider safety and regulatory oversight: would the Coast Guard allow a COI to remain valid for a very long period without reinspection on commercial vessels? • Recall from your studies: what is the standard validity period printed on most Certificates of Inspection you’ve seen or practiced with in class?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR where it describes the validity or duration of a Certificate of Inspection rather than just the inspection schedule. • Make sure you are not confusing license/document renewals (like MMC or endorsements) with the ship’s COI expiration. • Eliminate any choice that seems unrealistically long for a safety certificate on an actively operated commercial vessel.