The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has been formally designated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as a Similarly Qualified Organization (SQO) under Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations § 28.76. The milestone places IRS among only three classification societies authorised to deliver these specialised services within the United States commercial fishing sector.
The designation follows more than four years of rigorous technical evaluation and engagement with the USCG. During this period, IRS’s governance framework, quality management systems, survey procedures, and technical capabilities underwent detailed scrutiny before culminating in formal approval to undertake delegated safety functions on behalf of the U.S. maritime regulator.
IRS is already recognised by the USCG as both an Authorized Class Society and an Authorized Measurement Organization. The SQO designation further strengthens this partnership, enabling IRS to conduct mandatory safety examinations and compliance oversight across segments of the U.S. commercial fishing fleet.
Under the new authorisation, IRS may:
Conduct surveys and oversight functions and issue classification documents for commercial fishing vessels in accordance with 46 U.S.C. § 4503(a), including alternative compliance arrangements under § 4503(d).
Carry out biennial compliance examinations for fish processing vessels under 46 CFR § 28.710 and fish tender vessels engaged in the Aleutian trade under 46 CFR § 28.890.
Perform periodic dockside safety examinations for commercial fishing industry vessels, including mandatory examinations under 46 U.S.C. § 4502(f), with authority to issue USCG safety decals and certificates upon satisfactory completion.
Mr. P. K. Mishra, Managing Director, IRS, said the approval represents a significant regulatory achievement and strategic expansion in the United States market.
“This designation strengthens our ability to support the U.S. fishing community. Authorisation to carry out statutory examinations and issue compliance documentation provides vessel owners with greater access to approved safety services, while ensuring rigorous technical and regulatory standards are upheld.”
The development reinforces IRS’s growing international footprint and offers U.S. fishing vessel owners and operators an additional trusted pathway for regulatory compliance, supporting safer and more efficient operations across the sector.