U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert 16-26 reminds towing vessel owners, operators, and credentialed mariners that federal Inland Navigation Rules do not automatically override applicable state and local navigation safety requirements, including no-wake zones and speed restrictions. Download Safety Alert 16-26 for details and recommended safety actions.
The Coast Guard has reopened the comment period for draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-99, Change 1, Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP).
TVIB encourages towing vessel operators, auditors, surveyors, and other industry stakeholders to review the draft and submit comments by October 29, 2026. Please share your input with the Coast Guard during this reopened comment period.
Read the Federal Register notice for the draft guidance, full details, and comment submission instructions.
U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert 15-26 revisits a 2019 safety alert that highlights the hazards of retractable pilot houses and offers safety measure recommendations including physical barriers, warning systems, policy development, and training. USCG MSA 15-26 was published 9/23/2026 and a copy is downloadable here.
