TVIB News Subchapter M Updates

USCG: Final Rule for Towing Vessel Firefighting Training

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On October 23, 2023, the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing issued a final rule revising the training requirements for national Merchant Mariner Credential endorsements as master of towing vessels (limited) or mate (pilot) of towing vessels on inland waters (other than the Great Lakes) or Western Rivers routes.

The modified basic firefighting course is limited to towing vessel endorsements for Western Rivers and inland waters other than the Great Lakes. Mariners seeking towing vessel endorsements for other routes must complete a basic firefighting course.

The effective date of this rule is April 1, 2024.

Click here to download the full bulletin.

TVIB Presenting at Marine Log’s Tugs, Towboats & Barges Conference – Sub M, Beyond COI: What Next?

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I will be moderating a panel discussion at Marine Log’s Tugs, Towboats & Barges conference on March 8th in Mobile, AL. Come out to see this panel and many more.

Following is a repost from an article Marine Log published on February 6th, 2023

Sub M, Beyond COI: What Next?

TTB 2023 has a lineup of engaging presentations from industry leaders discussing advancements in technology and design, as well as methods of meeting environmental and economic goals

On March 8, a panel of owners, operators and third-party organizations will discuss crucial aspects of Subchapter M and the Certificate of Inspection (COI) process.

Talking points will include Certificate of Inspection renewal, new construction, incident reporting, the drydock credit process, the submission of internal survey reports to the U.S. Coast Guard, buying/selling/leasing vessels, and more. The group will also discuss lessons learned as they went or continue to go through the process.

Panelists include Tava Foret of the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau; Sean Reilly from Southern Towing; Brian Khey of Marquette Transportation; Mark McManus, Lebeouf Bros. Towing; Jason Soutiere, ABS; and Robert Keister from Sabine Surveyors.

Join us for this discussion and so much more at TTB 2023. Remember, discounted registration rates end February 17!
 

USCG POLICY ALERT: Revision CVC-WI-010 (CH 3) OCMI Guidance on Special Consideration for 46 CFR Subchapter M Vessels

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02/07/2023

CVC-WI-010(3) OCMI Guidance on Special Consideration for 46 CFR Subchapter M Vessels has been revised to add guidance on the use of alternative visual distress signals (eVDSD) and the use of alternative line throwing appliances. The new guidance on VDS applies to vessels that operate on the following: Rivers routes, Lakes, Bays and Sounds, Great Lakes or Coastwise.

Click here to access the revised work instruction.