Bureau of Certification and Licensing

From USApedia
Bureau of Certification and Licensing
Type: Regulatory Commissions
Parent organization: Federal Maritime Commission
Top organization: Department of Transportation
Employees:
Executive: Acting Director
Budget:
Address: 800 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20573
Website: https://www.fmc.gov/bcl
Creation Legislation:
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Bureau of Certification and Licensing

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Mission
The Bureau of Certification and Licensing is dedicated to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and passenger vessel operators by maintaining regulatory oversight, certification, and licensing processes. Its mission is to protect the public interest by enforcing compliance with maritime laws and regulations.
Services

OTI licensing; passenger vessel certification; financial responsibility oversight; regulatory compliance

Regulations

Shipping Act of 1984; Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022


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 Site

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.[1]

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[2]

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.[3]

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

References

  1. ↑ Federal Maritime Commission (2025). "Bureau of Certification and Licensing". Federal Maritime Commission.
  2. ↑ Federal Maritime Commission (2025). "Bureau of Certification and Licensing". Federal Maritime Commission.
  3. ↑ Federal Maritime Commission (2025). "Bureau of Certification and Licensing". Federal Maritime Commission.
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