Under the direction of the Sector Commander, or to the MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, marine inspectors may inspect deepwater ports to determine whether the requirements of this subchapter are met. A marine inspector may conduct an inspection, with or without advance notice, at any time the Sector Commander or MSU Commander deems necessary.

(a) The owner or operator of each manned deepwater port must ensure that the deepwater port is regularly inspected to determine whether the facility is in compliance with the requirements of this subchapter. The inspection must be at intervals of no more than 12 months. The inspection may be conducted up to 2 months after its due date, but will be valid for only the 12 months following that due date.

(b) The owner or operator must record and submit the results of the annual self-inspection to the Sector Commander, or to the MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority within 30 days of completing the inspection. The report must include a description of any failure, and the scope of repairs made to components or equipment, in accordance with the requirements in subpart I of this part, other than primary lifesaving, firefighting, or transfer equipment, which are inspected and repaired in accordance with subpart F.

(c) Prior to the initiation of a self-inspection plan, and before commencement of operations, the owner or operator must submit a proposal describing the self-inspection plan to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority for acceptance. The plan must address all applicable requirements outlined in parts 149 and 150 of this subchapter.

The licensee must notify the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI duties, in writing, upon receipt of a classification society certification, interim class certificate, or single point mooring classification certificate.