If your marine vapor control system is due for its mandatory five-year operational review in 2026, the clock is already ticking. With only a handful of certifying entities authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conduct these critical assessments, scheduling your operational review early isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding costly facility shutdowns.
Why Your 2026 Operational Review Can’t Wait
The USCG requires every marine vapor control system to undergo a comprehensive operational review every five years under 33 CFR 154 Subpart P. This isn’t a simple inspection you can postpone or handle internally. Your facility must pass this rigorous evaluation to continue operating legally, and failure requires immediate shutdown until all deficiencies are corrected.
Here’s where things get tricky: There are fewer than 20 active certifying entities nationwide qualified to conduct these specialized assessments. With hundreds of facilities operating vapor control systems across the country, the math is simple: demand far exceeds availability. Facilities that wait until their deadline approaches often find themselves scrambling for available slots, potentially facing expensive rush fees or, worse, compliance lapses.
The Aura Engineering Difference
For nearly three decades, Aura Engineering has been a trusted leader in marine vapor control system (MVCS) compliance. As one of the select few certified entities authorized to conduct operational reviews, we bring decades of specialized expertise to every assessment. Our team understands the intricate requirements of 33 CFR 154 Subpart P and has successfully guided countless facilities through operational review cycles.
Marine vapor control systems are our specialty. We design, install, and maintain MVCS installations across North America, giving us rare insight into how these complex systems must perform under regulatory scrutiny. Our seasoned team’s deep technical knowledge translates into more thorough assessments and practical recommendations that actually improve your system’s performance.
Our Streamlined MVCS Operational Review Process
At Aura Engineering, we’ve refined our operational review process to minimize disruption while ensuring comprehensive compliance. Our approach begins with detailed pre-review planning, where we coordinate with your team to understand your system’s configuration, recent maintenance history, and any operational concerns.
During the on-site assessment, our engineers conduct systematic testing of all vapor control components, from collection systems to destruction devices. We verify compliance with emission standards, test safety systems, review documentation, and assess overall system integrity. Our comprehensive testing protocols go beyond minimum requirements to identify potential issues before they become disqualifying.
Following the review, we provide detailed documentation of all findings, including clear recommendations for any necessary corrective actions. If deficiencies are identified, we work with your team to develop practical solutions that address regulatory requirements while considering operational constraints and budget considerations.
Most importantly, we handle it all quickly, responding to every request promptly and ensuring the least amount of disruption possible to your workflow.
Additional Services That Set Us Apart
Beyond the mandatory operational review, Aura Engineering offers complementary services that help ensure long-term MVCS compliance. Our preventive maintenance programs keep systems running efficiently between review cycles, while our technical support team provides ongoing guidance on regulatory changes and operational best practices.
We also offer pre-operational review gap analyses, providing facilities with extra assurance before their official assessment. This optional service puts your vapor control system through the same rigorous testing you’ll face during the actual operational review, identifying and addressing any potential issues in advance to eliminate any possibility of a shutdown.
Planning Your 2026 Operational Review
Smart facility managers are already reaching out to schedule their 2026 operational reviews. Early planning allows you to secure preferred timing, coordinate with planned maintenance schedules, and ensure all necessary preparations are completed well in advance of your compliance deadline.Don’t force your team into a last-minute scramble. Contact Aura Engineering today to discuss your 2026 operational review needs. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a compliance strategy that keeps your facility operating smoothly while meeting all USCG requirements. Contact us today for a free consultation on our operational review services!