The US Coast Guard says ship inspections will continue despite the shutdown of most US government operations over the weekend. But other maritime-related agencies appear to be shutdown.
The US Congress was unable to pass a resolution over the weekend that would fund government services, resulting in the furlough of many non-essential employees and the shutdown of non-critical services.
But US Coast Guard operations are continuing as they protect national security, life and property, says Lieutenant Amy Midgett. Those services include search-and-rescue and port state control operations.
But civilian employees of the US Coast Guard will be furloughed, Lt Midgett says. That will mean non-essential services such as seafarer licensing and documentation may be delayed or halted until funding resumes.
"Uniformed services functions will continue during the funding lapse," Lt Midgett said. "It's possible that we won't have full support of civilian employees, but operations that protect national security will continue."
Btu the funding lapse caused the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to shut down with all employees, aside from the commissioners, now on furlough. The FMC said it would not be able to accept new tariff filings, ocean carrier agreements or customer complaints.
The Maritime Administration (Marad) will see operations related to maritime safety, life and securing of US government vessels continue under the funding lapse. US Merchant Marine Academy would continue to operate as well.
