TVIB News U.S. Coast Guard

USCG: CG-ENG 01-18 Equivalency Determination – Fire Pumps for Subchapter C and Subchapter M Towing Vessels

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May 31, 2019 – CG – Engineering issued a new policy letter. Following are some excerpts from that letter that are specific to Subchapter M towing vessels under 65 feet long. Please click on the link below to download the full policy letter.

(1) Purpose.This policy letter provides guidance on the acceptance of fixed fire pump size requirements for towing vessels 65 ft or less to provide a level of safety that is equivalent to the requirements of reference (a) and (b), uninspected and inspected towing vessels, respectively. 

(3) Discussion. When developing references (c) and (d), the Coast Guard assumed smaller vessels would utilize portable fire pumps, while larger vessels would utilize fixed fire pumps; therefore, vessel size was not associated with fire pump requirements. This assumption imposed a larger burden on smaller vessels that opted to install fixed fire pumps. Generally, the fixed pump is required to have a higher capacity to accommodate the greater hydraulic losses expected from the extensive fire main systems used in larger vessels. In small vessels, however, the hydraulic losses of the smaller fire main systems are negligible, and the fixed fire pump need be of no higher capacity than the portable pump. Thus, in small vessels, fixed and portable pumps of similar capacity will provide similar fire streams affording an equivalent level of safety. Accordingly, for towing vessels 65 ft or less, the Coast Guard has determined a fixed pump that meets the portable pump capacity and pressure requirements meets an equivalent level of performance to the requirements in references (a) and (b). 

(4) Action.

b.   Subchapter M: For towing vessels 65 ft or less subject to 46 CFR 142.325, vessels may use a fixed pump that meets the performance requirements of 46 CFR 142.325(e)(1), instead of 46 CFR 142.325(a)(1). These towing vessels must also meet the requirements in 46 CFR 142.325 (a)(2), (b)-(d). 

Click here to download CG-ENG Policy Letter 01-19 Equivalency Determination – Fire Pumps for Subchapter C and Subchapter M Towing Vessels

USCG: MSIB 04-19 Cyber Adversaries Targeting Commercial Vessels

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Originally published on the Coast Guard Maritime Commons 05/28/2019

The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 04-19, “Cyber Adversaries Targeting Commercial Vessels,” to inform the maritime industry of recent email phishing and malware intrusion attempts that targeted commercial vessels. 

Cyber adversaries are attempting to gain sensitive information including the content of an official Notice of Arrival (NOA) using email addresses that pose as an official Port State Control (PSC) authority such as: port @ pscgov.org. Additionally, the Coast Guard has received reports of malicious software designed to disrupt shipboard computer systems. Vessel masters have diligently reported suspicious activity to the Coast Guard National Response Center (NRC) in accordance with Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §101.305 – Reporting, enabling the Coast Guard and other federal agencies to counter cyber threats across the global maritime network. 

As a reminder, suspicious activity and breaches of security must be reported to the NRC at (800) 424- 8802. For cyber attempts/attacks that do not impact the operating condition of the vessel or result in a pollution incident, owners or operators may alternatively report to the 24/7 National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) at (888) 282-0870 in accordance with Policy Letter 08-16, “Reporting Suspicious Activity and Breaches of Security.” When reporting to the NCCIC, it is imperative that the reporting party notify the NCCIC that the vessel is a Coast Guard regulated entity in order to satisfy 33 CFR §101.305 reporting requirements. The NCCIC will in turn forward the report to the NRC, which will then notify the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port. 

The Coast Guards urges maritime stakeholders to verify the validity of the email sender prior to responding to unsolicited email messages. If there is uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the email request, vessel representatives should try contacting the PSC authority directly by using verified contact information. Additionally, vessel owners and operators should continue to evaluate their cyber defense measures to reduce the effect of a cyber-attack. 

For more information on the NCCIC’s services, cyberrelated information, best practices, and other resources, please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/CISA. The Coast Guard applauds companies and their vessels for remaining vigilant in the identification and prompt reporting of suspicious cyber-related activities. 

Questions pertaining to this bulletin may be directed to the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance’s Port State Control Division at PortStateControl@uscg.mil.

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USCG: Sub M – Health and Safety Plan

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May 9, 2019 – the USCG sent out the following notice via the GovDelivery

This is a reminder of a key 46 CFR Subchapter M implementation milestone that is quickly approaching. On or before July 22, 2019, owners and managing operators of Subchapter M towing vessels must implement a Health and Safety Plan (HSP) and the associated recordkeeping procedures regardless of whether or not the vessel has been issued a Certificate of Inspection (COI). Requirements include general health and safety procedures, identification and mitigation of health and safety hazards, and health and safety training for crewmembers and non-crewmembers.

Towing vessels operating under a Safety Management System (SMS) may already have the elements of the HSP covered within the SMS. For towing vessels that have not incorporated the HSP elements into their SMS, and for towing vessels utilizing the Coast Guard Inspection Option, the HSP would likely be a stand-alone document.

There is no requirement to submit the HSP to the Coast Guard or TPO for approval; however, the plan is subject to review during inspections and audits. Minimum health and safety requirements can be found in 46 CFR Part 140 Subpart E.

For more Coast Guard news, visit their online newsroom here.