About

The Passenger Vessel Operators (PVOs) program issues certificates to cruise lines with berths or staterooms for at least 50 passengers and that embark passengers from U.S. ports. The Certificate confirms 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 cancels or fails to complete the cruises booked. The coverage is used to reimburse passengers when the PVO fails to perform cruises as contracted and has either taken no further actions or denied to refund passengers. The Certificate (Casualty) confirms that the PVO has acceptable coverage to satisfy any liability incurred for death or injury to passengers or others on applicable voyages to or from U.S. ports.

How to obtain a certificate?

1. An application for a Performance Certificate must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of arranging, offering, advertising, or providing transportation on applicable vessels or issuing tickets for a cruise embarking passengers from U.S. ports (whichever is earlier). An application for a Casualty Certificate must be submitted at least 60 days prior to sailing to or from a U.S. port.
2. To apply for either certificate, submit Form FMC-131, Application for Certificate of Financial Responsibility, to the Commission with the appropriate fee for a Performance Certificate and/or the appropriate fee for a Casualty Certificate. Make your payment using Pay.gov.
3. Applications may be emailed to pvo@fmc.gov, hand-delivered, or mailed.  Hand-delivered or mailed applications must be sent to Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20573.

Forms

Contact

Passenger Vessel Operators (PVO) Program

Phone: 202-523-5818
Fax: 202-566-5830
Email: pvo@fmc.gov