TVIB News News and Updates

TVIB Staff News

We expanded our staff this fall by adding the position of Training and Document Control Coordinator. We would like to welcome Melissa Hardy to the TVIB team. She will coordinate our quality management activities and manage our training design and development program, while supporting TVIBs core TPO responsibilities.  

Melissa brings with her 14 years of experience working in the maritime industry, which includes developing and maintaining safety management systems, maritime fleet management, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, she brings years of training needs analysis, design and development experience. She has assisted companies in the development, management and auditing of quality management systems, and holds ISO Lead Auditor certification. 

Melissa has expressed a desire to do her part in ensuring the safety of life at sea and on the nation’s inland river system.  Melissa and her husband reside in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area where she enjoys hunting and fishing and following NASCAR. She has a passion for working with animals and used to raise rabbits, horses and Labrador Retrievers. Please be sure to welcome her when you get a chance, you can find her contact info on the website Contact Us and Our Staff

With the expansion of our staff resources, TPO Customers are reminded that they should be calling our 24-hour Response Line when in need of assistance with CG-835Vs and Marine Casualty closeout when TPO involvement has been requested by the local OCMI. Utilizing the 24-hour response line will ensure your concerns are directed to the appropriate staff member.

24-Hour Response Line – 888-983-TVIB (8842)

USCG: Sector Mobile MSIB 13-19 ITV Fleet Status

Excerpt from MSIB 13-19 Sector Mobile ITV Fleet Status:

As reminder, July 20, 2020 is the date in which each company is required to have a Certificate of Inspection (COi) for at least 50 percent of their towing vessel fleet IA W 46 CFR I 36.202(b ). During th.is second cycle, Sector Mobile received less than 20 applications for inspections. Some vessels may have already been issued (or applied for) COis from other OCMI zones. Please provide Sector Mobile a roster with all company vessels including COi status (issued/not issued) and what OCMI zone issued the COi. Sector Mobile requests information be sent to mobinsp@uscg.mil no later than December I, 20 I 9.

To minimize delays, 46 CFR 136.210 requires an application for inspection and supporting documentation be submitted 30 days in advance for an initial COL Additionally, the inspection shall be scheduled a minimum of three months prior.

To aid in the process, Sector Mobile has developed Subchapter M checklists outlining the submittal process and required documentation. To obtain a checklist, please visit our Homeport website.
If th.ere are questions regarding the COI process please contact the Sector Mobile scheduler by email at mobinsp@uscg.mil or call 251-441-5262.

Click here to download MSIB 13-19

TVIB: Wrapping Up Another Successful Annual Surveyor Course

This week we had a great group of students in for the Annual Surveyor of Towing Vessels (ASTV) course in Houston. We continue to have a cross-section of industry and Coast Guard attendees. This combination of industry and Coast Guard breaks down barriers, helps to establish relationship and paves the way for a collaborative effort of ushering in Subchapter M. We had students from as far away as Alaska and as near as around the corner.

Stay tuned for the 2019 Training Calendar.