Two new ferries delivered the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority last year (see earlier story) may now be on track to gain the Coast Guard Certificates of Inspection (COI) required before they can enter service.

Members of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans and officials from the RTA and its manager, Transdev, held a meeting, last Wednesday, to discuss necessary measures needed to bring the two RTA ferries into compliance with federal standards.

After an inspection by members of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Prevention Department in July, it was determined that the ferry vessels did not yet meet the requirements for an initial Certificate of Inspection in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Coast Guard discussed ways to ensure the vessels will be ready for inspection and able to receive their Coast Guard Certificates of Inspection, which will certify their compliance with federal law and enable them to safely carry passengers and operate on the river.

“We feel we had a very productive meeting today, and are on track to getting all parties working together to ensure the ferries are able to obtain their COI,” said Capt. Luttrell, Sector New Orleans commander and the Officer-in-Charge of Marine Inspection.