Bureau of Certification and Licensing

The Bureau of Certification and Licensing ("BCL") is headed by Ms. Sandra Kusumoto, Director.

BCL is responsible for the Passenger Vessel Certification and Ocean Transportation Intermediary programs.  BCL is composed of two offices, the Office of Passenger Vessels and Information Processing and the Office of Transportation Intermediaries ("OTI") .

The Office of Passenger Vessels and Information Processing ("OPVIP"): OPVIP issues certificates to operators of passenger vessels with 50 or more berths and that embark passengers from U.S. ports ("PVOs").  Find out more information at PVO FAQs.  The Certificate (Performance) evidences that the PVO has on file with the Commission acceptable coverage to satisfy any liability incurred for nonperformance of transportation, such as when a PVO declares bankruptcy and fails to complete the cruises booked. The coverage is used to reimburse passengers when the PVO fails to perform cruises as contracted and has taken no further actions to refund passengers. The Certificate (Casualty) evidences that the PVO has acceptable coverage to satisfy any liability incurred for death or injury on file with the Commission. 

OPVIP also receives, reviews and processes all OTI bonds and bond riders.  Information regarding these issues can be found at  Bond Program Information and FAQs.   OPVIP also processes all revocations, surrenders, recissions of revocation and reissuances of OTI  licenses. OPVIP also manages the Regulated Persons Index ("RPI")  and the list of licensed OTIs which is posted on the Commission's website.

The Office of Transportation Intermediaries

The Office reviews all applications for OTI Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier ("NVOCC") and OTI Ocean Freight Forwarder licenses and, after investigation, recommends the issuance of the licenses to qualified applicants.  After approval, OTI licenses are issued to applicants upon receipt of acceptable proof of financial responsibility usually in the form of a surety bond.  When appropriate, the Office recommends denial.  For further information please consult the OTI FAQs.