TVIB News Industry Press

USCG: ANPRM for Electronic Chart and Navigational Equipment Carriage Requirements

Excerpts from the ANPRM Published On 3/28/2022

“The Coast Guard seeks public input regarding the modification of the chart and navigational equipment carriage requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) outlines the Coast Guard’s broad strategy to revise its CFR chart and navigational equipment carriage requirements to implement statutory electronic-chart-use provisions for commercial U.S.-flagged vessels and certain foreign-flagged vessels operating in the waters of the United States. This ANPRM is necessary to obtain additional information from the public before issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking. It will allow us to verify the extent of the requirements for the rule, such as how widely electronic charts currently are used, which types of vessels are using them, the appropriate equipment requirements for different vessel classes, and where the vessels operate, and will thereby allow us to tailor electronic chart requirements to vessel class and location.”

PURPOSE OF THE ANPRM: “This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks comments regarding possible modifications to the chart and navigational equipment carriage requirements in titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This ANPRM outlines the Coast Guard’s broad strategy to revise its CFR chart and navigational-equipment carriage requirements, to implement statutory electronic-chart-use provisions for commercial U.S.-flagged vessels, to include self-propelled vessels of at least 65 feet in overall length, passenger vessels for hire, towing vessels of more than 26 feet in overall length and 600 horsepower, and certain foreign-flagged vessels operating in the waters of the United States.”

“In this ANPRM, we are seeking information on how widely electronic charts are used, which types of vessels are using them, and where the vessels operate, as well as views on the appropriate equipment requirements for different vessel classes. The information obtained from this ANPRM will assist in drafting a proposed rule that tailors electronic charts requirements to vessel class and location.”

Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before June 27, 2022.

Click here to read the full ANPRM.

USCG: “Final deadline for Subchapter M phase-in arriving in July 2022”


01/31/2022 – reposted from USCG Maritime Commons

Final deadline for Subchapter M phase-in arriving in July 2022

POSTED BY CWO KURT FREDRICKSON ON JANUARY 31, 2022

Submitted by the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC)

As we begin the New Year, towing vessel owners and operators are reminded that the deadline for 100% Subchapter M phase-in is fast approaching.  No later than July 19, 2022, all towing vessels meeting the applicability criteria found in 46 CFR § 136.105 must have on board a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued by the Coast Guard.

Per 46 CFR 136.202, towing vessel owners and operators are responsible for ensuring that all their towing vessels receive a Certificate of Inspection (COI) before July 19, 2022.  Failure to meet vessel certification requirements may result in CG-835V deficiencies, vessel delays, civil penalties, or additional enforcement actions.

Initial certification should be scheduled with the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) at least three months in advance of the desired inspection date.  Therefore, towing vessel owners and operators should schedule vessel initial inspections as soon as possible, but no later than April 20, 2022.  Please note that Coast Guard attendance is required for initial certification for both the Coast Guard Option and Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) Option, as described in 46 CFR § 136.130. Application for inspection should be made using the CG-Form 3752, “Application for Inspection of a U.S. Vessel.”  OCMI contact information can be found on the Marine Inspectors Contact List on the CVC-1 webpage.  For further information, please see the Coast Guard’s Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE) website.

Click here to be directed to the original post.

 

 

USCG: USER FEE NPRM Published – TSMS Option Fee Reduced/USCG Option Fee Raised

Click here to download the Federal Register Notice

Excerpt:

“1. Establishing Specific Annual Inspection Fees for Towing Vessels Subject to Subchapter M We are also proposing to charge one of two fees for towing vessels inspected under subchapter M:

  • $2,184 for those using the Coast Guard option, and
  • $973 for those using the TSMS option.”