On May 21, 2020, the United States Coast Guard published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-16 Change 2, permitting U.S. vessel operators to utilize electronic versions of the Inland Navigation Rules and Vessel Traffic Service Rules in lieu of paper charts, maps and publications. This change to the 2016 NVIC 01-16, which itself broadened the use of electronic charts and publications on U.S. flag domestic vessels, is a response to recommendations from the public and the Navigation Safety Advisory Council, who in 2016-2017 requested the Coast Guard expand the list of accepted electronic publications to include the Inland Navigation Rules and the Vessel Traffic Service Rules. This new guidance applies to all U.S. vessels subject to U.S. chart and map requirements.
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