TVIB News U.S. Coast Guard

USCG: NPRM Person In Charge of Fuel Transfers

08/14/2019 Federal Register Vol. 84, No . 157 Proposed Rules

SUMMARYThe Coast Guard is proposing to amend the requirements regulating personnel permitted to serve as a person in charge (PIC) of fuel oil transfers on an inspected vessel by adding the option of using a letter of designation (LOD) in lieu of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Tankerman-PIC endorsement. Thousands of towing vessels are currently transitioning from being uninspected vessels to becoming inspected vessels. This proposal would allow a PIC currently using the LOD option on one of those uninspected vessels to continue to use that option to perform the same fuel oil transfers once the vessel receives its initial Certificate of Inspection. Under this proposal, obtaining a MMC with a Tankerman-PIC endorsement would become optional for PICs of fuel oil transfers on inspected vessels. 

DATESComments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before October 15, 2019. Comments sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of information must reach OMB on or before October 15, 2019. 

ADDRESSESYou may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2018–0493 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. 

Click here to read the full Federal Register notice.

USCG: Update to Guidance for TSMS Option Vessels Under Subchapter M

Originally posted on the USCG Maritime Commons

POSTED BY LT AMY MIDGETT ON JULY 17, 2019

The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance recently updated work instruction CVC-WI-013(3), “Towing Vessel COI Inspections under TSMS Option.” Updates include but are not limited to adding annual and renewal Certificate of Inspection guidance for Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option vessels inspected under 46 CFR Subchapter M.

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should reference this guidance when issuing a COI under 46 CFR Subchapter M for inspected towing vessels choosing the TSMS option. A flow chart is included in the Work Instruction to illustrate the TSMS compliance process. 

For full details, view or download the Work Instruction

If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the Office of Domestic Commercial Vessel Compliance (CVC-1) via CG-CVC-1@uscg.mil

USCG: Certificate of Documentation Guidance During Application Processing Delays

Originally published on USCG Maritime Commons

POSTED BY LT AMY MIDGETT ON JULY 15, 2019

The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is experiencing delays in the time necessary to issue a Certificate of Documentation (COD) due to performance issues associated with its Information Technology (IT) System. The Coast Guard recognizes the need to minimize the effect on the maritime community. The following guidance is provided: 

Vessels Engaged on Domestic Voyages Only (Coastwise/Fisheries): Vessel(s) with an expired COD may continue to operate domestically on the previously issued trade endorsements provided a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. Vessel owners should be prepared to present evidence, upon request, to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC), that a renewal application was submitted. 

New Construction/Initial Certification (All Trade Endorsements): In accordance with the Marine Safety Manual, Vol. II, an initial COI may be completed before the COD is issued provided the NVDC has received the application for documentation. Vessel representatives should be prepared to present evidence that the application was submitted to the NVDC to the OCMI. 

Engaged on International Voyage (Registry Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage on international voyages and are subject to Port State Control may request a letter from CG-CVC for continued operation. Requests for a letter confirming vessel registry by the United States should be sent to FlagStateControl@uscg.mil and include objective evidence that a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. 

Recreational Vessels (Recreational Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage in recreational use shall not be subject to COD related enforcement action, provided the vessel owner can present evidence that the renewal application was submitted to the NVDC. 

A list of cognizant OCMI / COTP contacts is available on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance website

In order to ensure NVDC can process the maximum number of applications possible, we ask that you submit any questions via electronic mail to nvdc.w.webmaster@uscg.mil while the IT System is operating at reduced capacity. Responses can be expected within 24-48 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The latest NVDC Case Processing Report is available from the NVDC website here

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