On October 14, the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) issued a policy bulletin updating agency policy on the transportation of FGIS employees to midstream ships, barges and floating rigs. The updated policy requires that FGIS personnel may only make use of launch boat services if a deckhand qualified to render aid in emergency situations is on board the boat, in addition to the captain. Service providers who are not able to immediately satisfy the policy set forth should immediately contact their field office manager to make the necessary arrangements for transportation of FGIS employees.

A copy of the policy bulletin, which was posted on the interagency website InGIPSA on October 17, can be found here.