Bureau of Certification and Licensing

Director
Vacant, Director

BCL is responsible for the Passenger Vessel Operator (PVO) and Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) programs.

Phone: 202-523-5787

Passenger Vessel Certification:

BCL issues certificates to Passenger Vessel Operators (PVOs) with 50 or more berths and that embark passengers from U.S. ports. 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.

PVO Contact Information

Phone: 202-523-5818

Email: pvo@fmc.gov

The Office of Ocean 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.

The Office receives, reviews, and processes all OTI bonds and bond riders. Information regarding these issues can be found at Bond Program Information. The Office processes all revocations, surrenders, recissions of revocation and reissuances of OTI licenses. The Office also manages the Regulated Persons Index(RPI) and the list of FMC Licensed & Bonded OTIs.

OTI Contact Information

Phone: 202-523-5843

For general inquiries about licensing matters please email: oti@fmc.gov

For inquiries about OTI bonds please email: otibonds@fmc.gov