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USCG Now Accepts Aluminum Flammable-Liquid Storage Cabinets on Weather Decks for Subchapter M Towing Vessels

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What Owners, Operators, and Crews Need to Know

Published: December 12, 2025

The U.S. Coast Guard has released new guidance that directly impacts towing vessel operators subject to 46 CFR Subchapter M. Aluminum flammable-liquid storage cabinets may now be accepted on weather decks of Inspected Towing Vessels (ITVs) provided they meet specific construction and installation criteria.

 

** This policy does not apply to vessels subject to SOLAS requirements. **

 

USCG’s New Position: Aluminum Cabinets May Be Accepted as an Equivalent

Under 46 CFR §136.115 (a), the Coast Guard may approve alternatives that provide an equivalent level of safety. After reviewing performance, safety measures, and vessel applications, the USCG has determined that properly constructed aluminum cabinets can meet the intent of the fire-protection requirements when installed on weather decks.

The policy acknowledges that:

  • Aluminum has lower fire-resistance properties than steel,
  • But additional design and placement measures can offset this difference,
  • While also solving the corrosion and durability problems associated with steel cabinets exposed to the elements.

 

Key Requirements: What an Aluminum Storage Cabinet Must Have

To qualify, aluminum flammable-liquid storage cabinets used on weather decks must meet all criteria in Enclosure (1) of the policy. Highlights include:

Construction Requirements

  • Minimum ¼-inch aluminum for frame and shell
  • Fully welded construction
  • Maximum volume of 30 cubic feet
  • Raised door sill (≥2 inches) to contain spills
  • Latch-equipped doors
  • Permanent marking:
    “FLAMMABLE – KEEP FIRE AWAY”
    (contrasting color, letters ≥2 inches tall)

 

Location Requirements

  • Positioned as far as practicable from machinery spaces, exhaust outlets, and escape routes
  • Stowed away from ignition sources

 

Operational and Safety Requirements

  • Secured to the vessel per 46 CFR §142.225
  • A 40-B portable fire extinguisher located within a 30-ft travel distance
  • Contents limited to the minimum amounts necessary for vessel operations, not exceeding 120 gallons per cabinet
  • Cabinet must be repaired or replaced if deemed unserviceable by the local OCMI

 

Questions?

The Coast Guard encourages operators to reach out with questions regarding this policy:

The full policy letter is available @ U.S. Coast Guard Policy Letter 05-25 – Acceptance of Aluminum Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets

Investing in Excellence: Welcoming Our New Member Services Manager

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At TVIB, continuous improvement isn’t just a concept—it’s how we operate. Guided by the principles of the ISO 9001 framework, we are committed to building an organization that evolves thoughtfully, supports its people, and exceeds expectations.

As part of that journey, we’re excited to announce the return of the Member Services Manager position—a role designed to elevate our internal systems and enrich our member experience. This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to driving excellence in everything we do, from program development to operational execution.

Over the past year, our work has evolved with increased focus on:

  • Developing new training courses to meet industry needs
  • Enhancing engagement across our membership
  • Relaunching our working committee structure to foster collaboration and leadership
  • Advancing the use of technology to support our oversight role as a TPO

To accelerate these initiatives, we are reinstating the Member Services Manager role with the following objectives:

  • Strengthening our Quality Management System (QMS)
  • Supporting process improvement and cross-functional alignment
  • Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery
  • Leading training development and overseeing member-facing programs

We’re proud to share that Mara Booth Miller will join TVIB as our new Member Services Manager, effective Friday, August 1st.

Mara brings more than 25 years of maritime experience, most recently serving as the Director of Marine Assurance and Vetting at ACBL. She led audit readiness for 130+ vessels, managed third-party vetting, and served as liaison to the American Chemistry Council. She has deep expertise in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mara spent 13 years in roles focused on safety, operations, and training, including as Senior Instructor at the Coast Guard’s National Search and Rescue School. She is trained in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and brings a strong background in organizational development and process improvement.

Mara’s unique blend of operational insight, technical expertise, and leadership makes her a perfect fit for this dynamic, cross-functional role.

Please join us in welcoming Mara to the TVIB team. We’re excited for what’s ahead.

USCG: Sector Houston-Galveston Issues “VTS User Manual 2025”

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ALERT – Sector Houston-Galveston’s Waterways Management team issued VTS User Manual 2025 (click the link to download).