Coast Guard Reinstates Palm Beach Princess Certificate of Compliance

Move follows Panamanian Maritime Authority's decision to reclassify the ship to operate on two auxiliary engines. New certificate of compliance comes with requirement to implement specific operational safety requirements.

MIAMI:Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) for Palm Beach, Fla., Capt. Jim Fitton, reinstated the Palm Beach Princess’ Coast Guard issued certificate of compliance Wednesday (December 16, 2009), following the Panamanian Maritime Authority's decision to reclassify the ship to operate on two auxiliary engines.

In order to reclassify the Palm Beach Princess, the vessel had to undergo engineering trials at sea as dictated by her classification society, Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The Panamanian Maritime Authority has empowered DNV to issue international certificates to the Palm Beach Princess after ensuring the vessel met minimum international standards.

Following a review of the trials, and discussions with the Pilots Association, the COTP reissued its certificate of compliance and gave a written order to the vessel to implement specific operational safety requirements. The order requires the vessel to use tugs of 2,000 horsepower and 3,500 horsepower during its transits into and out of the Port of Palm Beach. Additionally, the COTP has ordered the vessel to cease or cancel operations if either the sea state is 5 feet or greater or if wind speed is 25 knots or more.