01/23/2018
The Coast Guard published guidance on the integration of existing Vessel Response Plans (VRP) with the impending Subchapter M regulations. The piece focuses on the Certificate of Inspection (COI) that will be required on most towing vessels and what impacts this might have on a vessel listed in a VRP.
01/25/2018
The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance issued CG-CVC Policy Letter 18-01 Guidance On The Audit Scheme For Vessels Using A Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) Option.
The purpose of this policy letter is to provide clarification and guidance to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (NCOE), Officer(s) in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), Third Party Organizations (TPO), and the marine industry on the vessel audit scheme during phase-in and post phase-in periods for vessels whose owners have chosen to use the TSMS option.
January 24, 2018
The U.S Coast Guard Eighth District published a policy letter related to Towing Vessel Inspections Field Notice that addresses a number of items that have been deemed to pose a minimal risk to the operational safety of the towing vessel fleet. The letter provides enforcement guidance to Operational Commanders when considering deficiencies or non-conformities during the implementation of Subchapter M throughout the Eighth Coast Guard District.
