USCG Independent Lab

Rules and Resources

Services

Innovation and Technology

News and Events

About Us and Careers

ABS MyFreedom™

Client Support

Need Help? Learn More Feedback

Search Rules and Guides

Rules and Guides

For the design, construction and periodic survey of marine vessels and offshore structures.

man reading a magazine; Shutterstock ID 232190992; purchase_order: Graphics; job: ; client: Chris Reeves; other:

Regulatory Updates

Keeping you up to date with local, national and international regulatory news and requirements.

Databases

Search type approved products, service suppliers, vessels, and more in the client portal.

ABS MyFreedom™ Client Portal

ABS MyFreedom™ Client Portal is your suite of fleet management and vessel compliance services.

Global Marine

Offering leading classification and technical advisory services to the marine industry.

Close up of large blue merchant crago ship in the middle of the ocean underway. Performing cargo export and import operations with sun rays, horizon line and beautiful sky.; Shutterstock ID 1468222610; purchase_order: Graphics; job: ; client: Chris Reeves; other:

Global Offshore

Delivering life cycle classification and technical advisory services to the offshore energy industry.

Global Government

Supporting governments around the globe with classification and technical advisory services.

Approval and Certification

Providing approval and certification for manufacturers and service suppliers.

Sustainability and Decarbonization

Sustainability

Advancing key areas of research like vessel design, future fuels, digital technologies and decarbonization.

Technology Advancement

Innovations designed to tackle technical and regulatory challenges while operating more safely, securely and responsibly.

Industry Partnerships

Research with industry stakeholders – operators, shipyards and manufacturers, governments and other class organizations.

Academic Engagement

Joint industry projects and university partnerships to support the future of classification.

Knowledge Center

News and Events
Newsroom
Events
Publications

Newsroom

Get the latest news from ABS, or subscribe to our email alerts.

Publications

From exploring our history to understanding our present, learn more about the world of ABS.

Events and Webinars Calendar

ABS hosts, sponsors and attends events and conferences throughout the world.

Setting Course: An ABS Podcast

Learn about the latest trends and developments in the maritime industry in this podcast by ABS.

Setting Course: An ABS Podcast

Listen Now

Publications

About Us and Careers
Who We Are
Safety
Careers
Contact Us

Who We Are

The Spirit of ABS is defined by a vision, a mission, and a core set of traits that make us truly unique.

Leadership

Executives at ABS navigate new paths in the marine and offshore industries toward a safer, sustainable tomorrow.

Careers

ABS and the ABS Group of Companies offer a dynamic work environment and many ways for career growth.

Contact

Search our online directory with offices in countries worldwide.

USCG Independent Lab

ABS has been accepted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as an independent laboratory to witness production tests and inspections, and supervise prototype construction, as applicable by equipment type.

Pre-Approval Plan Review Process

ABS is authorized to perform pre-approval plan reviews for various types of equipment.

For novel lifesaving launching appliances under approval series 160.115, 160.132, 160.133, 160.135, and 160.156, ABS can assist clients in initiating the application process with the USCG office CG-ENG-4.

Please note that independent laboratories do not issue Certificates of Approval (COAs) for equipment. Final approval and issuance of the COA are completed by the USCG office CG-ENG-4.

Approval Process

Manufacturer submits design package to ABS
ABS Engineering technical review
Manufacturer conducts approval (prototype) testing with ABS Surveyor and OCMI Representative
Manufacturer submits test results to ABS engineering
ABS preapproval is issued and documentation submitted to USCG
USCG issues Certificate of Approval (COA)

ABS Certification to USCG PAM

For modules under the jurisdiction of the US Coast Guard, certification is conducted in accordance with USCG CG‑ENG Policy Letter No. 01‑16, “Portable Accommodation Module Guidance.” For additional information on PAM, please click here.

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Connect with ABS to start your request for U.S. Coast Guard independent laboratory services, including surveys and associated approval support.

Request Certification

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Connect with ABS to start your request for U.S. Coast Guard independent laboratory services, including surveys and associated approval support.

Request Certification

Start Your Application

Begin your certification journey with the ABS Type Approval Program

Request PDA Certification

Start Your Application

Begin your certification journey with the ABS Type Approval Program

Request PDA Certification

Additional Resources

EU Mutual Recognition

EU Marine Equipment Directive

Recognized Labs

ABS Cyber Safety for Equipment

BWMS Type Approval

Type Approval

Type Approval FAQs

Type Approval Procedure

Type Approval Program: Guidance for Equipment Providers for Marine and Offshore Installations