The Coast Guard’s office of Commercial Vessel Compliance issued CG-CVC Policy Letter 19-01, dated April 5, 2019, for purpose of providing enforcement guidance to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (NCOE), Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), and Marine Inspectors (MI) regarding the manning, credentialing, and watchkeeping requirements, applicable to harbor assist towing vessels inspected under 46 CFR Subchapter M that travel outside the Boundary Line. This policy letter will expire on July 22, 2023, unless otherwise rescinded.
As a reminder, “harbor assist” means the use of a towing vessel during maneuvers to dock, undock, moor, or unmoor a vessel, or to escort a vessel with limited maneuverability.