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'''Bureau of Certification and Licensing (BCL)''' is a component of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), located in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for the licensing and regulation of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs) and the certification of Passenger Vessel Operators (PVOs), ensuring they meet legal and regulatory requirements. {{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.fmc.gov/bcl}} ==Mission== The mission of the BCL is to protect consumers and shippers by ensuring that OTIs and PVOs operate under stringent regulatory standards. This includes overseeing the licensing of freight forwarders and non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), as well as certifying the financial responsibility of passenger vessel operators to prevent financial harm to the public.<ref>Federal Maritime Commission (2025). [https://www.fmc.gov/bcl "Bureau of Certification and Licensing"]. Federal Maritime Commission.</ref> ==Parent organization== BCL operates under the [[Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)]], which falls under the [[Department of Transportation]]. The FMC regulates the U.S. international ocean transportation for the protection of shippers. ==Legislation== The operations of BCL are underpinned by the [[Shipping Act of 1984]] and the [[Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022]], among other maritime-related legislation that defines the regulatory framework for OTIs and PVOs. ==Partners== * Shipping lines and carriers for operational coordination * State and local governments for regulatory alignment * International maritime organizations for global standards compliance ==Number of employees== The exact number of employees is not publicly specified but includes staff dedicated to licensing, compliance, and certification processes. ==Organization structure== BCL's structure involves: ===Leader=== The head of BCL is referred to as the [[Acting Director of the Bureau of Certification and Licensing]]. ===Divisions=== * Licensing and Registration for OTIs * Passenger Vessel Certification for PVOs ==List of programs== * OTI Licensing Program * PVO Certification Program * Financial Responsibility Oversight<ref>Federal Maritime Commission (2025). [https://www.fmc.gov/bcl "Bureau of Certification and Licensing"]. Federal Maritime Commission.</ref> ==Last total enacted budget== Specific budget details for the BCL are not publicly disclosed, as they are part of the FMC's overall budget. ==Staff== Staff includes professionals in maritime law, licensing, and regulatory compliance, supported by administrative personnel. ==Funding== Funding for BCL comes from the Federal Maritime Commission's budget, which is part of the Department of Transportation's appropriations. ==Services provided== BCL provides licensing services for ocean transportation intermediaries, certification for passenger vessel operators, and ensures that all entities have adequate financial responsibility in place. It also conducts investigations to ensure compliance with maritime regulations.<ref>Federal Maritime Commission (2025). [https://www.fmc.gov/bcl "Bureau of Certification and Licensing"]. Federal Maritime Commission.</ref> ==Headquarters address== 800 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20573 ==History== The Bureau of Certification and Licensing has been integral to the Federal Maritime Commission's regulatory framework since its establishment, adapting to changes in maritime law and international shipping practices. It has taken on increased responsibilities with the evolution of ocean transportation regulations, particularly with the advent of more complex global trade dynamics. ==External links== * [https://www.fmc.gov/bcl Official Website] * [[wikipedia:Federal Maritime Commission]] * [https://www.transportation.gov/ U.S. Department of Transportation Official Website] ==References== <references />